What Is a Mesosiderite Meteorite? Composition, Origin and Collector Guide
What Is a Mesosiderite Meteorite?
A mesosiderite meteorite is a rare type of stony-iron meteorite composed of a brecciated mixture of silicate minerals and metallic iron-nickel. Unlike ordinary meteorites, mesosiderites display a fascinating combination of rock fragments embedded in metal.
These meteorites are believed to have formed during ancient asteroid collisions that mixed crustal rock with metallic core material.
Mesosiderites are among the most visually interesting meteorites because polished slices reveal a complex structure of silicate clasts surrounded by iron-nickel metal.
Mineral Composition
Typical minerals found in mesosiderite meteorites include:
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Low-Ca pyroxene
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Plagioclase
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Kamacite and taenite (iron-nickel metal)
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Sulfide minerals
This mixture creates the characteristic brecciated appearance seen in meteorite slices.
Scientific reference:
https://www.lpi.usra.edu/meteorites/meteorite-types/stony-iron/mesosiderites/
How Mesosiderites Formed
Scientists believe mesosiderites formed when large asteroid impacts mixed crustal silicate rocks with molten metallic core material.
The resulting breccia later cooled and solidified, preserving a mixture of metal and silicate fragments.
This violent formation history makes mesosiderites an important record of early solar system collisions.
Famous Mesosiderite Meteorites
Examples include:
These meteorites provide excellent examples of mesosiderite textures when cut into slices.
Why Collectors Love Mesosiderite Meteorites
Collectors value mesosiderites because they show both rocky and metallic components in the same specimen.
Polished slices often reveal beautiful textures that highlight the internal structure of the meteorite.
Their rarity and complex formation history make them fascinating pieces of planetary science.
Mesosiderite Meteorites for Sale
If you are interested in owning a piece of early solar system history, explore our collection of mesosiderite meteorite slices prepared from authentic meteorite finds.
👉 See our Mesosiderite Meteorites Collection