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

IIE
— Group —
The Weekeroo Station meteorite, an IIE iron meteorite
TypeIron
Structural classificationOctahedrite
ClassNonmagmatic
Parent bodyProbably 6 Hebe
Total known specimens21 as of 2009

Composition and origin

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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

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It is a rare type with 24 known members as of 2020.[2]

See also

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References

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