is this a meteorite?

[Horst]

I found this a few days ago in AZ. It is highly magnetic and jumps to a magnet. The surface is dull and to me looks like it was burned. The metal detector went crazy. All help is highly appreciated. Fir size compare I put a dime next to it.

 

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[Red-Coat]

That's a possible... but only a possible since there are many terrestrial materials which can look just like that.

As a first step. try streaking it on the back (unglazed) side of a ceramic tile. Blow away any dust. If you get any kind of coloured streak left behind, it's not a meteorite.

If it skids off without leaving anything more than a weak dirty streak, it's still a possible but would need more extensive testing to confirm it. The odds (in terms of probability) are however not in your favour.

 

[flinthunter]

Arizona has several well known meteorite strewn fields. If this was found in or very near one of these locations, your chances of it being a genuine meteorite are slightly increased. It does seem to have a burnt look so good luck. There is also a meteorite forum on this site. I would suggest that it would be a good idea to post this on that forum too.

 

[desertexplorer]

Red-coat is right, if it leaves a black or reddish mark on the unglazed side of ceramic tile then most likely it is either hematite or magnetite. Your stone looks a lot like magnetite and the ceramic streak test will certainly clarify.