Meteoric iron

Description

Metallic iron, often alloyed with nickel (2-50%), composes approximately one-sixth of the meteorites that hit the earth's surface. They also contain small amounts of cobalt, arsenic, and manganese. Meteoric iron has been used since before 3000 BCE for tools and weapons.

Synonyms and Related Terms

taenite; iron meteorite; Meteoreisen (Deut.); meteoritisch ijzer (Ned.)

Sources Checked for Data in Record

• David C. Scott, Metallography and Microstructure of Ancient and Historic Metals, The Getty Conservation Institute, Los Angeles, 1991

• R.F.Symmes, T.T.Harding, Paul Taylor, Rocks, Fossils and Gems, DK Publishing, Inc., New York City, 1997

• External source or communication Comment: Submission by Dr. Robert Ogilvie, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, August 2004.

• Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia, Douglas M. Considine (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1976

• A.Lucas, J.R.Harris, Ancient Egyptian Materials and Industries, Edward Arnold Publishers Ltd., London, 4th edition, 1962

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 543