Magnet test
The magnet test checks whether a rock is attracted to a magnet, because most meteorites contain iron metal.
Most meteorites that fall to Earth contain bits of iron-nickel metal, a mixture of the metals iron and nickel. Iron meteorites are almost all metal, and the commonest stony meteorites have tiny metal flecks scattered through them. So a magnet will usually stick to, or at least tug on, a real meteorite. A good way to test is to hang a strong magnet on a piece of string and slowly bring the rock close. If the magnet swings towards it, the rock passes the test.
But passing the test does not prove anything. Many Earth rocks and man-made materials are magnetic too, such as magnetite, iron-rich slag and lumps of old iron. And a few rare meteorites, like some from the Moon and Mars, barely react at all. A magnet test is a first clue, not an answer. A piece of the Campo del Cielo iron meteorite from Argentina grabs a magnet strongly.
Strong magnets need care. They can pinch fingers and damage phones and bank cards, and swallowing small magnets is very dangerous, so keep them away from younger children and ask an adult to help.
Related terms
Level: Beginner Ages 7 and up