What elements primarily constitute the composition of Iron Meteorites according to rock classification?
Answer
Iron and nickel metal
Meteorites are categorized based on their dominant chemical makeup to help researchers trace them back to their original parent bodies in the solar system. The Iron Meteorite category is distinctly defined by its composition, consisting overwhelmingly of metallic elements. Specifically, these samples are composed primarily of a mixture of iron metal and nickel metal. This high metallic content is what directly leads to their noticeably increased density and strong magnetic properties when compared to the most common type, the stony meteorites.
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