Metal flecks
Metal flecks are small shiny grains of iron-nickel metal visible on cut or broken surfaces of most stony meteorites.
Metal flecks are tiny bright grains of iron-nickel metal scattered through most stony meteorites, especially ordinary chondrites. On a cut and polished surface, they shine like silver specks. On a broken or weathered surface, they may look brown or rusty instead.
They are one of the best clues that a stone might be a meteorite. Most Earth rocks contain no metallic iron at all, because iron on Earth combines with oxygen. H chondrites contain about 15 to 20 per cent metal, L chondrites about 7 to 10 per cent and LL chondrites a few per cent. That is why most ordinary chondrites attract a magnet.
To see them, look at a small polished window ground on a corner of the stone, or examine a cut face with a hand lens. Never cut a possible meteorite yourself without expert advice. Some carbonaceous chondrites and achondrites contain little or no metal, so its absence does not rule out a meteorite.
Related terms
Level: Beginner Ages 7 and up