meteorite

Pallasite Meteorite

Pallasite (Stony-Iron Meteorite)

Hardness: 6.5-7 for olivine crystals, 4-5 for iron-nickel matrix. Color: Golden to yellowish-green translucent olivine (peridot) crystals embedded in a bright silvery nickel-iron metal matrix. Luster: Vitreous in crystals, metallic in matrix.…

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous in crystals, metallic in matrix

Identified July 22, 2026More meteorite →

Explore Pallasite Meteorite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed at the core-mantle boundary of differentiated asteroids in the early solar system around 4.5 billion years ago. They were created during violent planetary collisions that shattered the asteroid parents.

Uses & applications

Highly prized by meteorite collectors, researchers studying planetary core formation, and occasionally used in custom jewelry made from extraterrestrial peridot.

Geological facts

Pallasites are among the rarest and most visually striking types of meteorites, representing less than 1% of all known meteorite falls. They contain gem-quality peridot formed in outer space.

Field identification & locations

Identified by the distinct matrix of metallic nickel-iron surrounding gem-like silicate olivine crystals. Typically sliced and polished to display the translucent inner crystals.

Other meteorite specimens

See all

Iron Meteorite

Siderite (Fe, Ni)

igneous

Shatter Cone

Impactite (Shatter Cone texture)

metamorphic

Iron Meteorite

Siderite (comprised primarily of Kamacite and Taenite alloys)

igneous

Pallasite Meteorite

Pallasite (Stony-iron meteorite; Fe-Ni alloy with (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 olivine)

Mineral/Extraterrestrial Rock

Slag (Anthropogenic Glass/Iron byproduct)

Ferro-silicate Slag

Anthropogenic (Man-made)

Chondrite Meteorite

Stony Meteorite (Chondrite)

meteorite