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: Kamacite - (Fe,Ni) - low crystallization form Taenite - (Fe,Ni) - high crystallization form Tetrataenite - FeNi Awaruite - Ni₂Fe to Ni₃Fe Nickel - Ni
	Composition	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	The minerals in the Iron-nickel group are only used by scientists; mineral collectors do not make a distinction between the minerals in this group, calling any mineral in this group "Iron" or "Iron-nickel". Most Iron-nickel is extraterrestrial, and known as meteorites. There are, however some natural deposits of terrestrial Iron-nickel, but they are rare and limited. Crystals are basically unheard of, although some meteorites show etched crystals on polished faces. Meteorites come from outer space, but their original source is questionable. 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. Iron-nickel (terrestrial or extraterrestrial) develop a coating of rust if washed or kept in moist area. If a specimen must be washed with water, it should be thoroughly dried. In addition, specimens should be kept in rice or with silica gel to absorb moisture.
	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, whether terrestrial or meteoritic, is valued as a rare mineral collectors item. Some meteorites are polished to display etched crystal faces, known as Widmanstaetten lines. Meteorites are used in scientific studies, such as to find meteorite origins, signs of life in outer space, and extraterrestrial matter. Iron-nickel is far too rare to be an ore of iron or nickel.
	Striking Features	Great attraction to magnets, heaviness, and interesting crystal habits
	Complex Tests	Rusts quickly and severely if contacted with water.
	Popularity (1-4)	Terrestrial Iron-nickel = 3 Meteorite = 1
	Prevalence (1-3)	3
	Demand (1-3)	1
	Distinguishing Similar Minerals	Due to the interesting habits of Iron-nickel, no minerals are confused with it. One exception can be small Pyrite balls, but it can be distinguished from Iron/Iron-Nickel because it lacks the attraction to magnets.
	Commonly Occurs With	Olivine
	Noteworthy Localities	Some areas, such as the famous Barringer Crater (also known as Meteor Crater) in Coconino Co., Arizona have been struck by a gigantic meteor, which scattered meteorite fragments throughout the surrounding area. Meteorites are easily found in Antarctica and other regions permanently covered with snow, as the white background provides easy spotting for dark Meteorites. Terrestrial Iron-nickel is found sparingly in only a few localities; the most famous are Kassel, Germany, the Kola Peninsula, Russia, and Disco Island (also known as Qeqertarsuaq), Greenland, where the Iron/Iron-nickel was once thought to be of alien origin. 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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