top of page

Stony-Iron Meteorites

Stony-iron meteorites contain approximately even amounts of silicates and nickel-iron alloy, and are divided into two distinct groups: Pallasites and mesosiderites.

​

Pallasites are believed to form between the silicate mantle, or outer shell, and molten metal core of a differentiated asteroid. The primary silicate mineral in pallasites is olivine, distinguishable by its greenish hue. 

​

Mesosiderites are brecciated stony-iron meteorites that contain nearly equal amounts of metal and silicates. They are likely formed by collisions of metal-rich and silicate-rich asteroids, and their silicate portion is composed mainly of igneous rock fragments. Fewer than 150 mesosiderites have been identified to date.

​

Click on an image to enlarge and see additional information about the meteorite.

bottom of page