A small dense black rock may be a meteorite or it could be naturaly occuring iron. Meteorites are known for having a high concentration of nickel and most notably have been subjected to high tempatrues during entry into the atmosphere. The "Old Woman Springs Meteorite" was found near Lucerne Valley and is quite large. The US government confiscated (stole) it from the prospector who discovered it. This unique specimen can be found in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C.