Stony meteorites are a type of meteorite primarily composed of silicate minerals. They are the most common type of meteorite, making up about 94% of all known specimens. These meteorites can be further divided into two main categories: chondrites, which contain small, round particles called chondrules, and achondrites, which do not. Stony meteorites provide valuable insights into the early solar system and the formation of planets. When stony meteorites enter the Earth's atmosphere, they can create bright streaks of light known as meteors. If they survive the intense heat and pressure during their descent and land on the Earth's surface, they are called meteorites. Studying these meteorites helps scientists understand the composition of celestial bodies and the processes that shaped our solar system.