The difference between iron ore and iron meteorite

Although both iron ore and iron meteorites contain iron elements, they have significant differences in composition, structure and formation process. Here are the main differences between the two:

1. ‌Composition Differences

‌Iron ore‌: It mainly consists of iron element or iron compounds, and common types include magnetite, hematite, limonite and siderite. The iron content in iron ore varies by type, for example, magnetite has a theoretical iron content of 72.4%, while siderite has a mere 48.3%. ‌

Iron meteorite: It is mainly composed of iron meteorite and nickel meteorite, and contains a small amount of minerals such as graphite, meteorite iron nickel ore, meteorite sulfide chromium ore. The nickel content of iron meteorites is usually between 6% and 14%, and some are even as high as 25% to 65%. ‌

2. Structural characteristics

‌Iron ore‌: The surface usually has no melt shell, and the internal and external structures are consistent. It may form a structure similar to gas marks or streamlined patterns due to weathering or deposition. ‌

Iron meteorite: There is a hard melt shell on the outer layer, and there are often melt marks and air marks on the surface. The internal structure exhibits different crystal arrangements due to different nickel content, such as the Vestedon structure (octahedral arrangement) or hexahedral cleavage. ‌

3. Formation process

Iron ore: is a mineral aggregate formed by geological action within the earth, usually formed through deposition, adsorption or chemical reaction. ‌

Iron meteorite: From space, it is formed after the meteorite burns through high temperatures when entering the Earth's atmosphere. Its unique melt shell and internal structure are the result of slow cooling in space environments. ‌

4. Application and Value

Iron ore: It is an important raw material for steel production and is widely used in the manufacturing of tools, weapons and other steel products. ‌

‌Iron Meteorite‌: Because of its rarity and scientific research value, it is mainly used for research and collection, and some cultures have used it to make tools and weapons. ‌

5. Identification method

‌Hardness‌: The hardness of iron meteorites is usually higher than that of iron ore and can be tested by glass marking.

Magneticity: Iron meteorites are usually strongly magnetic, and the magnetism of iron ore varies by type.

‌Nickel content detection‌: Using a spectrometer to detect nickel content is a reliable way to distinguish the two. The nickel content of iron meteorites is usually higher than that of iron ore. ‌

Through the above characteristics, iron ore and iron meteorite can be effectively identified.