Meteorite Pendant | Campo del Cielo, Argentina

Nickel Iron Meteorite

From: Campo del Cielo, Argentina

Size: 1” Pendant 

 Types of Meteorites Found on Earth

Meteorites are remnants of celestial bodies that have fallen to Earth, and they provide invaluable insights into the solar system's history. They are broadly classified into three main categories based on their composition: stony meteorites, iron meteorites, and stony-iron meteorites.

1. Stony Meteorites
Stony meteorites are the most common type, making up about 94% of all meteorite finds. They are primarily composed of silicate minerals and can be further divided into two groups:

- Chondrites: These are the most primitive and abundant stony meteorites, containing tiny spherical particles called chondrules. Chondrites are thought to represent the building blocks of planets and are believed to have formed early in the solar system's history. Examples include the Allende meteorite and the Orgueil meteorite.

- Achondrites: Unlike chondrites, achondrites have undergone some form of melting or differentiation, leading to a more complex mineral structure. They often originate from differentiated parent bodies, like the crust of an asteroid or a planet. Some well-known achondrites include the Martian meteorites (like NWA 7034) and the lunar meteorites (such as the NWA 5000).

2. Iron Meteorites
Iron meteorites make up about 5% of all known meteorites and are primarily composed of iron-nickel alloys. These meteorites originate from the cores of differentiated asteroids that were shattered by collisions. Their unique metallic composition makes them highly valuable for scientific study and collectible due to their distinctive appearance. Examples include the famous Hoba meteorite from Namibia and the Sikhote-Alin meteorite from Russia.

3. Stony-Iron Meteorites
Stony-iron meteorites are relatively rare, accounting for about 1% of all meteorites. They contain both metallic and silicate minerals, showcasing a blend of the features found in stony and iron meteorites. Stony-iron meteorites can be further categorized into:

Pallasites: These consist of olivine crystals embedded in a nickel-iron matrix, often exhibiting a stunning visual contrast. Pallasites are thought to originate from the boundary between the core and mantle of differentiated asteroids. The most famous pallasite is the Brenham meteorite.

- Mesosiderites: These are a mixture of metallic and silicate materials, believed to come from a collision between a differentiated asteroid and a less differentiated one. Mesosiderites exhibit a complex structure and are of great interest for planetary research.

The study of meteorites provides crucial information about the formation and evolution of our solar system. Each type of meteorite tells a unique story, revealing details about the celestial bodies from which they originated. Collectors, researchers, and enthusiasts alike find value in these fascinating remnants of space, which continue to captivate our understanding of the universe.