IIE iron meteorite

IIE
— Group —
Type Iron
Structural classification Octahedrite
Class Nonmagmatic
Parent body Probably 6 Hebe
Total known specimens 21 as of 2009

The iron meteorites of the IIE chemical type are octahedrites of various coarseness, most of which contain numerous inclusions of recrystallized stony silicates.

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.[1] 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.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ M. J. Gaffey & S. L. Gilbert, "Asteroid 6 Hebe: The probable parent body of the H-Type ordinary chondrites and the IIE iron meteorites", Meteoritics & Planetary Science, Vol. 33, p. 1281 (1998).
  2. ↑ Meteoritical Bulletin Database


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