Computed 3D model of the asteroid (16) Psyche
Magmatic iron meteorites form from iron-nickel melts that slowly solidified over long time periods, during which they developed a crystalline structure. During this cooling process, progressive chemical differentiation occurred within the solidifying metallic bodies, producing systematic variations in nickel and trace element contents. These variations allow the classification into distinct chemical groups. The classification of magmatic iron meteorites is as follows:
| Group | Description |
|---|---|
| IIAB | Very low-nickel iron meteorites; early crystallization of strongly fractionated metallic melts |
| IID | Distinct trace element patterns indicating specific chemical conditions in the parent body |
| IIE | Impact-influenced melt regions with occasional silicate inclusions |
| IIIAB | Largest and most common group; represents a major differentiated metallic body |
| IVA | Higher nickel content; very slow cooling in outer regions of a metallic core |
| IVB | Extremely high nickel content; highly fractionated residual metallic melts |
