What is the predominant chemical composition defining Iron meteorites, accounting for about 5% of falls?

Iron-Nickel Alloy

Iron meteorites constitute approximately five percent of all meteorite falls and are primarily distinguished by their elemental makeup. They are overwhelmingly composed of an iron-nickel alloy. This composition reflects their origin as remnants from the cores of early, larger planetesimals that existed early in the solar system's history. During the formation of these parent bodies, gravitational forces caused differentiation, where heavier elements like iron and nickel sank toward the center, separating from the lighter silicate material that formed the crust and mantle. Consequently, the study of iron meteorites offers direct insight into the core formation processes that happened within planetary bodies billions of years ago.