An iron meteorite is a type of meteorite primarily composed of iron and nickel. These meteorites originate from the cores of differentiated asteroids that broke apart in the early solar system. They are known for their metallic appearance and can be identified by their unique crystalline structures, often revealing a pattern called the Widmanstätten pattern when etched. Iron meteorites are relatively rare, making up about 5% of all meteorite finds. They are valuable for scientific research as they provide insights into the formation and evolution of the solar system. Notable examples include the Hoba meteorite, the largest known iron meteorite, found in Namibia.