Schoner's
Meteorite Identification Page
Page 4
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Is it rusty brown, or black?Most meteorites are rusty brown if they have been on the ground for an appreciable amount of time. This occurs because iron and iron grains in them rust with exposure to the earth's environment, and will coat the rock with a layer of oxides. On stone meteorites this will look like a dark brown varnish and with solid iron-nickel meteorites this is often a thick crust that flakes away.
Toluca, Mexico, iron meteorite, 658 grams. This meteorite has a thick oxide coating that flakes away. Inside it is solid metal.
Macy, NM; L-6 (weathered stone), 368 grams. Notice the tan-brown surface with dark brown patches of fusion crust.