Stony Meteorite

Definition

A stony meteorite is a type of meteorite that is primarily composed of silicate minerals, such as olivine and pyroxene. These meteorites are the most common type found on Earth, making up approximately 94% of all meteorites that have been recovered and studied. Stony meteorites are believed to originate from the rocky, inner regions of the solar system, often from the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. They provide valuable insights into the formation and composition of the early solar system, as well as the processes that shaped the planets and other celestial bodies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stony meteorites are the most common type of meteorite found on Earth, accounting for approximately 94% of all recovered meteorites.
2. These meteorites are believed to originate from the rocky, inner regions of the solar system, often from the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
3. Stony meteorites provide valuable information about the composition and formation of the early solar system, as well as the processes that shaped the planets and other celestial bodies.
4. Chondrites, a type of stony meteorite, contain small, round inclusions called chondrules, which are believed to be the oldest solid objects in the solar system.
5. Achondrites, another type of stony meteorite, do not contain chondrules and are instead composed of crystalline silicate minerals that have been melted and recrystallized.

Review Questions

• Explain the significance of stony meteorites in understanding the formation and composition of the early solar system.
  • Stony meteorites are crucial for understanding the formation and composition of the early solar system because they provide a direct window into the materials and processes that shaped the inner, rocky regions of the solar system. As the most common type of meteorite found on Earth, stony meteorites offer valuable insights into the composition and structure of the asteroids and other celestial bodies from which they originated. By studying the minerals, textures, and inclusions within stony meteorites, scientists can gain a better understanding of the early solar system's formation, the accretion of planetary bodies, and the chemical and physical processes that occurred during this critical period of our solar system's history.
• Describe the differences between chondrites and achondrites, and explain how these differences provide information about the evolution of stony meteorites.
  • Chondrites and achondrites are two distinct types of stony meteorites that provide different insights into the evolution of these celestial objects. Chondrites contain small, round inclusions called chondrules, which are believed to be the oldest solid objects in the solar system. The presence of these chondrules suggests that chondrites have experienced minimal melting and recrystallization since their formation, preserving a more primordial record of the early solar system. In contrast, achondrites do not contain chondrules and are instead composed of crystalline silicate minerals that have been melted and recrystallized, indicating a more extensive thermal history. The differences between these two types of stony meteorites allow scientists to study the various stages of melting, differentiation, and evolution that stony meteorites have undergone, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the processes that shaped the inner solar system.
• Analyze how the study of stony meteorites, including their classification into chondrites and achondrites, has contributed to our understanding of the formation and evolution of the solar system.
  • The study of stony meteorites, including their classification into chondrites and achondrites, has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the formation and evolution of the solar system. Chondrites, with their primordial chondrules, offer insights into the earliest stages of solar system formation, providing clues about the materials and processes that were present during the accretion of the planets and other celestial bodies. Achondrites, on the other hand, reveal information about the more advanced stages of thermal processing and differentiation that occurred within the inner solar system. By analyzing the mineralogical, chemical, and textural differences between these two types of stony meteorites, scientists can piece together a more comprehensive picture of the complex series of events that shaped the early solar system, from the initial condensation and aggregation of dust and gas to the melting and recrystallization of planetary materials. This holistic understanding, derived from the study of stony meteorites, has been crucial in refining models of solar system formation and evolution, ultimately enhancing our knowledge of the origins of our planetary home.

Related terms

Chondrite: A chondrite is a type of stony meteorite that contains small, round inclusions called chondrules, which are believed to be the oldest solid objects in the solar system.

Achondrite: An achondrite is a type of stony meteorite that does not contain chondrules, and is instead composed of crystalline silicate minerals that have been melted and recrystallized.

Meteoroid: A meteoroid is a small rocky or metallic object in space that orbits the Sun. When a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere and survives to reach the ground, it is then classified as a meteorite.