An iron meteorite, when cut open and etched with acid, often shows a peculiar pattern of nickel-iron crystals called a Widmanstätten pattern. Through what process was this pattern created?
A)partial melting during the impact that ejected the meteorite from its parent asteroid, with subsequent rapid cooling in space
B)rapid crystal growth as molten iron cooled and solidified in the interior of a small asteroid
C)slow crystal growth as iron condensed from gas directly to solid form in the early solar nebula
D)slow crystal growth as molten iron cooled and solidified in the interior of a large asteroid

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Widmanstätten pattern is created through slow crystal growth as molten iron cools and solidifies in the interior of a large asteroid. This pattern is a result of the nickel-iron alloy in the meteorite cooling slowly over millions of years, allowing the formation of interlocking crystals of different compositions and orientations.

An Iron Meteorite, When Cut Open and Etched with Acid