What primary alloy composition defines Iron meteorites?
Answer
Iron and nickel alloy
Iron meteorites are distinguished by their composition, being predominantly an alloy consisting of iron mixed with nickel. These space rocks are thought to originate from the metallic cores of ancient planetesimals that shattered early in the Solar System's history. Due to this high metal content, they possess distinct physical properties, such as noticeable density and strong magnetic attraction, which often aids in their initial field identification, contrasting sharply with the silicate-dominated stony varieties.
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