Vietnam Iron Meteorites
Iron meteorites
are a type of meteorite composed primarily of iron and nickel. These meteorites are remnants of the cores of planetesimals that were present in the early solar system. Iron meteorites are classified into two main groups: hexahedrites, which have a crystalline structure, and ataxites, which have a more chaotic structure.
Iron meteorites are relatively rare compared to stony meteorites, accounting for about 5-10% of all meteorite falls. They are known for their high density, often exhibiting a distinctive Widmanstätten pattern when cut and etched, which is caused by the interlocking crystal structure of nickel-iron alloys.
The study of iron meteorites provides valuable insights into the composition and history of our solar system, offering clues about the formation of planetary bodies and the processes that shaped our cosmic neighborhood.