For readers who want the full picture
Detailed explanation
Pallasites contain often large olivine crystals between kamacite and taenite. Thin slices can be especially striking where the olivine is translucent.
Groups include the main group, Eagle Station pallasites, a pyroxene group and ungrouped specimens.
- Typical silicate
- olivine
Placed in context
Groups and subgroups
These cards show the next classification level. Linked groups open their own detailed explanation.
Main-group pallasites
Most pallasites belong to one chemically and isotopically coherent main group.
Eagle Station group
A small pallasite group isotopically and chemically distinct from the main group.
Pyroxene pallasites
Very rare pallasites containing significant pyroxene in addition to olivine and metal.
Ungrouped pallasites
Individual finds whose chemistry and isotopes do not securely match an established pallasite group.
More complex than the classic model
Pallasites were long described generally as core-mantle boundary material. Modern models differ by group and allow for complex collisions and mixing processes.
Olivine in metal
Olivine grains may appear yellow-green to brown and are generally magnesium-rich. Meteoritic iron-nickel metal lies between them and may itself show structures on polished surfaces.
Transparency depends on fractures, weathering, thickness and lighting. A particularly clear appearance is not a classification criterion and does not establish authenticity without provenance.
Several pallasite groups
The main group contains most known pallasites. Eagle Station pallasites differ chemically and isotopically; a small pyroxene pallasite group also contains recognisable pyroxene. Some specimens remain ungrouped.
This diversity shows that pallasites need not come from one parent body or one universal core-mantle process.
Short & simple
The essentials in 30 seconds
- Olivine crystals in an iron-nickel matrix define these stony-iron meteorites.
- Pallasites contain often large olivine crystals between kamacite and taenite. Thin slices can be especially striking where the olivine is translucent.
- Groups include the main group, Eagle Station pallasites, a pyroxene group and ungrouped specimens.
Verifiable
Sources & databases
Editorially paraphrased and expanded from the linked specialist and primary sources; reviewed 24 August 2026. New classifications and database entries may require later updates.