Earth rocks differ from space rocks in that they do not have metal in them in a free form. The metal is combined as oxides, silicates, etc. This one distinguishing feature is what makes the stones stand out from terrestrial rocks. Common stones can be identified by the free iron/nickel metal that is usually visible as grains in a polished section of the sample. The free metal also gives the stones unique conductive properties that are picked up by metal detectors, especially the prospecting or gold detectors. Pulse inductions are also useful since they pick up the magnetic metal alloy as a stronger conductor than any other metal type.

Common stones are also attracted to strong magnets. Some people use a stick or cane with the magnet attached to the end to hunt for meteorites on the ground surface.

Another useful tool is a magnet -on-a-string with the right magnetic strength to help correctly identify the stones from magnetic earth rocks. Common stones swing the magnet further from the center resting position than magnetic basalt rocks.