Irons

Definition

Irons are a type of meteorite composed primarily of iron and nickel. They originate from the cores of differentiated parent bodies within the solar system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Irons represent about 5% of all known meteorites, making them relatively rare compared to other types.
2. Their high metal content makes irons much denser than stony meteorites.
3. The Widmanstätten pattern, a unique interlocking crystal structure, is often visible in polished sections of iron meteorites.
4. Irons provide valuable information about the interior composition and thermal history of their parent bodies.
5. Most iron meteorites are believed to come from the cores of planetesimals that were shattered by collisions.

Review Questions

• What percentage of all known meteorites do irons represent?
• What is the unique crystal structure called that is visible in polished sections of iron meteorites?
• From which part of their parent bodies do most iron meteorites originate?

Related terms

Stony Meteorites: Meteorites primarily composed of silicate minerals.

Widmanstätten Pattern: A distinctive crystalline pattern found in some iron meteorites.

Planetesimal: A small body from which a planet originated in the early stages of development of the solar system.