Classification of Iron Meteorites
Channel: Dominik Hezel
Date: 2023-04-12

Iron meteorites have a long history of classification, among this structural classifications such as ›octahedrite‹ or ›ataxite‹, which are no longer used. Instead, bulk meteorite trace elements are used to discriminate more than 10 groups, plus a large number of ungrouped irons. The large compositional trends observed in individual groups are interpreted as the result of fractional crystallisation. Irons with extensive trends are called ›magmatic‹, while those with smaller trends are called ›non-magmatic‹. The latter designation is irritating, as all irons were once molten.