Stones

Definition

Stones, in the context of meteorites, are solid fragments from outer space that survive their journey through Earth's atmosphere and land on the surface. These extraterrestrial rocks provide valuable insights into the early solar system's formation and composition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stones can originate from asteroids, comets, or other celestial bodies within our solar system.
2. The classification of stones includes stony meteorites (chondrites and achondrites), which are primarily composed of silicate minerals.
3. Chondrites are the most common type of stony meteorite and contain chondrules, which are round grains formed by rapid cooling of molten droplets in space.
4. Achondrites lack chondrules and are similar to terrestrial igneous rocks, often originating from differentiated planetary bodies like Mars or the Moon.
5. Studying these stones helps scientists understand the processes that formed planets and other solar system bodies billions of years ago.

Review Questions

• What are the two main types of stony meteorites?
• Why are chondrites significant for understanding the early solar system?
• How do achondrites differ from chondrites in terms of origin and composition?

Related terms

Meteorite: A solid piece of debris from an object such as a comet, asteroid, or meteoroid that survives its passage through Earth's atmosphere and impacts the ground.

Chondrule: Small spherical inclusions found within chondritic meteorites, formed by rapid cooling of molten droplets in space.

Differentiation: The process by which a planetary body develops layers with different compositions due to variations in temperature and pressure during its formation.