Stony-Iron Meteorites

Stony-iron meteorites are the rarest of the three main meteorite classes, comprising less than 2% of all recovered meteorites. They contain roughly equal proportions of silicate minerals and iron-nickel metal and are thought to represent boundary zones within differentiated asteroids — the region where the metallic core met the rocky mantle. Unless specifically stated in the listing, specimens in this collection are Meteoritical Bulletin classified.

Pallasites: the most visually striking meteorites

Pallasites consist of gem-quality olivine crystals suspended in a metallic iron-nickel matrix. When sliced thin and polished, the result is extraordinary: rounded to angular crystals ranging in color from pale yellow to amber and green, embedded in a metallic background that often displays the Widmanstätten pattern when etched. Where the olivine is sufficiently translucent, backlit slices glow with a warm, gemstone-like quality unlike any other natural object.

Pallasites are interpreted as samples from the core-mantle boundary of differentiated asteroids — the zone where the metallic core met the olivine-rich rocky mantle. The main group pallasites are geochemically linked to the IIIAB iron meteorite group, suggesting they share a parent body with those irons. Read more: What Is a Pallasite?

Mesosiderites

Mesosiderites are a more chaotically mixed stony-iron type, with silicate and metallic material interleaved in an irregular breccia structure. Their formation is less well understood than pallasites — possibly involving violent mixing of core and crustal material during large collisions. Mesosiderites are scientifically interesting but less visually dramatic than pallasites.

Frequently asked questions

Is the olivine in pallasites gem quality? Yes — pallasite olivine is the mineral peridot, and in fresh specimens it is transparent to translucent. Over time, terrestrial weathering can cause the olivine to become opaque. Specimens with intact, transparent olivine are more valuable.

How rare are pallasites? Pallasites represent less than 1% of all meteorites. Approximately 100 individual pallasite stones are known worldwide.

Are these specimens authenticated? Unless specifically stated in the listing title or description, specimens in this collection are Meteoritical Bulletin classified with a direct link to the official record. Every purchase ships with a Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. certificate of authenticity.

See also: Iron Meteorites · Stony Meteorites · What Is a Pallasite? · Types of Meteorites