The iron-nickel mineral group

	Chemical Formula	The Iron-Nickel group is composed of several minerals containing varying amounts of iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni). The minerals are: Iron - (Fe) Kamacite - (Fe,Ni) - low crystallization form Taenite - (Fe,Ni) - high crystallization form Tetrataenite - FeNi Awaruite - Ni₂Fe to Ni₃Fe Nickel - Ni
	Composition	Iron - Iron Kamacite - alloy of iron and nickel, with a varying percentage of both elements Taenite - alloy of iron and nickel, with a varying percentage of both elements Tetrataenite - alloy of iron and nickel, with the ratio of iron molecules to nickel molecules 1:1 Awaruite - alloy of iron and nickel, with a ratio of iron to nickel between 2:1 and 3:1 Nickel - Nickel (usually with a small amount of iron)
	Color	Steel-gray to black
	Streak	Steel-gray. Streak shiny.
	Hardness	4 - 5
	Crystal Forms and Aggregates	Occurs massive, botryoidal, as small scales, as irregular lumps and masses, and as waterworn nuggets. Crystals are almost nonexistent. The crystal systems for the minerals in this group are as follows: Isometric - Kamacite, Taenite, Awaruite, Nickel Tetragonal - Tetrataenite
	Transparency	Opaque
	Specific Gravity	7.9 - 8.8 (100% iron = 7.86, and 100% nickel = 8.9)
	Luster	Metallic
	Cleavage	None
	Fracture	Hackly
	Tenacity	Malleable and ductile
	Other ID Marks	1) Ferromagnetic 2) Very good conductor of electricity
	Names and their Meanings	Iron - Iron with slight amount of nickel. Native Iron - synonym of iron (above) Iron Nickel and Nickel-Iron - collective name of mineral group Josephinite and Souesite - synonym of Awaruite Native Nickel - synonym of Nickel
	Varieties	Meteorite, or Extraterrestrial Iron - Iron-nickel from outer space. Terrestrial Iron/Iron-Nickel - Naturally occurring Iron-nickel formed on earth.
	In Group	Native elements ; Metallic elements
	All About	Iron-nickel is technically a group of scientifically classified minerals. Most mineral collectors do not make a distinction between the individually-named minerals in this group, and refer to specimens as Iron or Iron-Nickel. Most Iron-nickel is of extraterrestrial origin, in the form of meteorites. Hundreds of meteors fall toward earth every day, but most of them burn up in the atmosphere. The few that make it to earth usually land in water, and the few that land on the ground are generally small. Meteorites usually contain a crust, which forms when they are partially molten (from the heat of their speed) in the atmosphere, and solidify when they cool down by landing on earth. There are some natural deposits of terrestrial Iron-nickel, but they are rare and limited. Crystals are uncommon, although some meteorites show etched crystals on polished faces, known as widmanstaetten lines. Iron-nickel (terrestrial or extraterrestrial) develops a coating of rust if washed or if kept in a humid area. If a specimen must be washed with water, it should be thoroughly dried.
	Uses	Terrestrial Iron-nickel is very rare. Meteorites are also rare, but are far more common than terrestrial Iron-nickel. Because there is an abundance of iron and nickel compounds, Iron-nickel is not used as an ore of either iron or nickel. Iron-nickel in all forms is valued as a rare mineral collectors item. Some meteorites are made into slabs and polished to display the etched crystal faces (widmanstaetten lines). Meteorites are also used in scientific studies related to both geology and astronomy.
	Striking Features	Strong attraction to magnets, heaviness, and interesting crystal habits
	Complex Tests	Rusts quickly if contacted with water or moisture.
	Popularity (1-4)	1
	Prevalence (1-3)	3
	Demand (1-3)	1
	Distinguishing Similar Minerals	Due to the interesting habits of Iron-nickel, few minerals are confused with it.
	Commonly Occurs With	Olivine
	Noteworthy Localities	Iron-Nickel of extraterrestrial origins are found in random metorite landing locations on the earth. Some areas, such as the famous Barringer Crater (also known as Meteor Crater) in Coconino Co., Arizona, had been struck by a gigantic meteor in prehistoric times, which caused meteorite fragments to be scattered throughout the surrounding area. Terrestrial Iron-nickel is found in only a few localities and very sparingly. Specific locations include Kassel, Germany; the Kola Peninsula, Russia; and Disco Island (Qeqertarsuaq), Greenland. Small waterworn nuggets were found in the Fraser River, near Lillooet, British Columbia, Canada, and in the Gorge river, New Zealand. Terrestrial Iron/Iron-nickel was also found in Josephine Co., Oregon; Smith River, Del Norte Co., California; Cameron, Clinton Co., Missouri; and St. Josephs island in Lake Huron.
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