Taenite
A variety of Minerals
What is Taenite?
Taenite (Fe,Ni) is a mineral found naturally on Earth mostly in iron meteorites. It is an alloy of iron and nickel, with nickel proportions of 20% up to 65%. The name is derived from the Greek ταινία for "band, ribbon". Taenite is a major constituent of iron meteorites. In octahedrites it is found in bands interleaving with kamacite forming Widmanstätten patterns, whereas in ataxites it is the dominant constituent. In octahedrites a fine intermixture with kamacite can occur, which is called plessite. Taenite is one of four known Fe-Ni meteorite minerals: The others are kamacite, tetrataenite, and antitaenite.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Taenite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Taenite Localities Map
See where Taenite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Taenite
It is opaque with a metallic grayish to white color. The structure is isometric-hexoctahedral. Its density is around 8 g/cm and hardness is 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Taenite is magnetic, in contrast to antitaenite. The crystal lattice has the c≈a= 3.582±0.002 Å. The Strunz classification is I/A.08-20, while the Dana classification is 1.1.11.2 . It is hexoctahedral (cubic) in structure.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Greyish white, silver-white
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5 - 5.5
- Streak
- Light grey
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (Fe,Ni)
- Elements
- Fe, Ni
Also Known As
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Taenite FAQs
How do I identify Taenite?
Taenite can be identified by its hardness of 5 - 5.5 on the Mohs scale, Greyish white color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Taenite?
Taenite typically appears in Greyish white, silver-white. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Taenite?
Taenite has a hardness of 5 - 5.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the characteristics of taenite of Taenite?
It is opaque with a metallic grayish to white color. The structure is isometric-hexoctahedral. Its density is around 8 g/cm and hardness is 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. Taenite is magnetic, in contrast to antitaenite. The crystal lattice has the c≈a= 3.582±0.002 Å. The Strunz classification is I/A.08-20, while the Dana classification is 1.1.11.2 . It is hexoctahedral (cubic) in structure.
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