THE IRON-NICKEL

MINERAL GROUP

Iron-nickel is technically a group of scientifically classified minerals. Most mineral

collectors do not make a distinction between the individually-named minerals in
this group, and refer to specimens as Iron or Iron-Nickel. Most Iron-nickel is
of extraterrestrial origin, in the form of meteorites. Hundreds of meteors fall
toward earth every day, but most of them burn up in the atmosphere. The few
that make it to earth usually land in water, and the few that land on the ground
are generally small. Meteorites usually contain a crust, which forms when they
are partially molten (from the heat generated by their speed) in the atmosphere,
and solidify when they cool down by landing on earth.
There are some natural deposits of terrestrial Iron-nickel, but they are rare and
limited. Crystals are uncommon, although some meteorites show etched crystals
on polished faces, known as widmanstatten patterns. Iron-nickel (terrestrial or
extraterrestrial) develops a coating of rust if washed or if kept in a humid area. If
a specimen must be washed with water, it should be thoroughly dried.

Click here for a detailed explanation on Iron-nickel in meteorites.

Chemical Formula The Iron-Nickel group is composed of several minerals
containing varying amounts of iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni). The
individual member minerals are:
Iron - Fe
Kamacite - (Fe,Ni) - low crystallization form
Taenite - (Fe,Ni) - high crystallization form
Tetrataenite - FeNi
Awaruite - Ni Fe to Ni3Fe
Nickel - Ni
2

Composition

Iron - Native iron.

Kamacite - Alloy of iron and nickel, with a varying
percentage of both elements.
Taenite - Alloy of iron and nickel, with a varying percentage
of both elements.
Tetrataenite - Alloy of iron and nickel, with the ratio of
iron molecules to nickel molecules 1:1.
Awaruite - Alloy of iron and nickel, with a ratio of iron to
nickel between 2:1 and 3:1.

Nickel - Native nickel (usually with a small amount of iron).

Color

Steel-gray to black

Streak

Steel-gray. Streak shiny.

Hardness

4-5

Crystal System

Isometric

Crystal Forms
and Aggregates

Occurs massive, botryoidal, as small scales, as irregular

lumps and masses, and as waterworn nuggets. Crystals are
almost nonexistent. The crystal systems for the minerals in
this group are as follows:
Isometric - Kamacite, Taenite, Awaruite, and Nickel
Tetragonal - Tetrataenite

Transparency

Opaque

Specific Gravity

7.9 - 8.9

Luster

Metallic

Cleavage

None

Fracture

Hackly

Tenacity

Malleable and ductile

Other ID Marks

1) Ferromagnetic.
2) Very good conductor of electricity.

Complex Tests

Rusts quickly if contacted with water or moisture

In Group

Native Elements; Metallic Elements

Striking Features

Strong attraction to magnets, heaviness, and interesting

crystal habits

Environment

Most often in meteorites or meteorite impact sites

and craters. In terrestrial environments
in volcanic basalt formed by reduction of iron oxides in
contact with carbonates.

Rock Type

Igneous, Meteoric

Popularity (1-4)

Prevalence (1-3)

Demand (1-3)

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