Tetrataenite is an ordered iron-nickel alloy found primarily within the metal phases of iron meteorites. It is highly prized by collectors for its unique magnetic properties and its occurrence as thin, lamellar bands formed through long-term cooling in extraterrestrial bodies.
Is this tetrataenite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch tetrataenite with a known reference. Tetrataenite sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tetrataenite leaves a grey streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tetrataenite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: silver-white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: lamellar inclusions in iron-nickel alloys.
Often confused with
Tetrataenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tetrataenite leaves grey, Taenite leaves gray.
How to tell apart: Schreibersite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6.5-7 vs. 5-5.5); streak differs — Tetrataenite leaves grey, Schreibersite leaves grey-black.
Often found alongside tetrataenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with tetrataenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- FeNi
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 8.0-8.2 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Grey
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Lamellar Inclusions in Iron-nickel Alloys
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Iron Meteorites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and meteorite matrix
Where rockhounds find tetrataenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tucson Meteorite
- Ensisheim Meteorite
- various iron meteorites
Field-hunting tip
Look in iron meteorites country — that is the host setting where tetrataenite typically forms. If you start seeing taenite, kamacite, schreibersite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a lamellar inclusions in iron-nickel alloys habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find tetrataenite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
