Pallasite is characteristically a stony iron meteorite with yellow olivine gemstones from space.
Pallasites roughly 4.6 Billion years old, only about 0.2% of all meteorites found are pallasites.
AN INTRODUCTION TO PALLASITE
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Pallasite meteorites are formed in the astroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter.
They are made up of minerals and metal remnant materials from the first few million years of the solar system. -
Olivine Crystals: The most notable feature of pallasites is the presence of large, gem-quality olivine crystals embedded in a matrix of nickel-iron. The olivine crystals can vary in color, ranging from yellow-green to yellow-brown.
Olivine is a mineral common as dust in interstellar space. It can react with water to create hydrogen - creating a potential foundation for life.Metal Matrix: Pallasites are classified as stony-iron meteorites because they contain both silicate minerals (like olivine) and metallic components (nickel-iron). The metal matrix typically surrounds the olivine crystals.
The metals crystallized into a detailed pattern called a Widmanstätten pattern.
Within the category of pallasites, there are subtypes based on the size and distribution of olivine crystals. The two main subtypes are main-group pallasites and Eagle Station group pallasites. -
Pallasites are considered rare and are highly sought after by collectors and researchers due to their unique composition and aesthetic appeal. They represent a snapshot of the conditions within the early solar system.
INTERESTING FACTS
Pallasites provide valuable information about the early solar system, planetary differentiation, and the formation of asteroids. Studying these meteorites helps scientists piece together the complex history of our celestial neighborhood.
The combination of aesthetic beauty, rarity, and scientific importance makes pallasite meteorites captivating objects that bridge the gap between Earth and the mysteries of the cosmos.
The combination of aesthetic beauty, rarity, and scientific importance makes pallasite meteorites captivating objects that bridge the gap between Earth and the mysteries of the cosmos.
