Type Iron Class Nonmagmatic Total known specimens 21 as of 2009 | Structural classification Octahedrite Parent body Probably 6 Hebe | |
The iron meteorites of the IIE chemical type are octahedrites of various coarseness, most of which contain numerous inclusions of recrystallized stony silicates.
Contents
Composition and origin
They have mineral compositions and oxygen isotope ratios very similar to the H chondrites, which makes it probable that they originate from the same parent body. The best candidate for this parent body is the S-type asteroid 6 Hebe. Unlike most iron meteorites, the type IIE are thought to have been melted out of the chondritic surface of the parent asteroid by impacts during its early history.
Rarity
It is a rare type with 21 known members as of 2009.
References
IIE iron meteorite Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA