Hickman Iron Meteorite - Found By A Gold Prospector! From The Core Of An Asteroid! 171.9g

The Hickman meteorite was discovered in 2018 in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, not far from Hickman Crater. Classified as an IAB iron meteorite, it is made primarily of iron and nickel and is estimated to be more than 4.5 billion years old. The meteorite likely originated within a partially formed asteroid that was shattered by collisions during the early formation of the Solar System.

Hickman is especially valued for its dramatic appearance. When polished and etched, sections reveal bold crystalline patterns and sometimes even complex mineral inclusions. Many specimens display striking contrasts between bright nickel-iron metal and darker inclusions of minerals such as troilite and schreibersite, giving each slice a distinctive, almost sculptural character. Because of these features, Hickman has quickly become a favorite among collectors and researchers.

Friendly Reminder: iron meteorites are going to exhibit signs of rust.  It’s solid nickel/iron! This is a normal occurrence with iron meteorites. At some point in its life with you, it will likely need to be cared for.  Please see our care guide on our FAQ for further details.  

About Iron Meteorites:

Iron meteorites consist almost entirely of nickel and iron and are thought to originate from the cores of ancient, differentiated asteroids. In the early solar system, these large asteroids underwent internal melting, causing heavier elements like iron and nickel to sink toward their centers—much like the Earth’s own core. Over time, catastrophic collisions shattered these bodies, sending fragments hurtling through space until some eventually landed on Earth as meteorites.

One of the most striking features of iron meteorites is the Widmanstätten pattern—a distinctive interlocking crystalline structure of nickel-iron alloys that can be revealed through careful acid etching. This process requires expert preparation, including stabilization, slicing, and polishing, as even slight errors can damage the specimen. The pattern itself is often called the meteorite’s “thumbprint” because it is entirely unique and cannot be replicated in laboratory conditions. Its formation requires incredibly slow cooling—about one degree Celsius every 10,000 years—making it a visual testament to the vast timescales and processes that shaped our solar system.