Why is magnetism considered a strong indicator when trying to distinguish a genuine meteorite from common terrestrial rocks?

Most meteorites contain iron or nickel-iron components.

Magnetism provides a straightforward, non-destructive test that helps differentiate true meteorites from many terrestrial look-alikes, such as volcanic rocks or industrial slag. This indicator is reliable because the majority of meteorites—especially iron and stony-iron types, and even stony types to some degree—possess a significant amount of metallic iron or nickel-iron alloys within their structure. Because these metals are ferromagnetic, they will typically attract a common kitchen magnet. While certain terrestrial materials, like magnetite or iron-rich industrial byproducts, can also be magnetic, the combination of magnetism coupled with other features like a fusion crust or high density strongly suggests an extraterrestrial origin.