Astronomy
Comparing Metallicities and Volatile Content in Carbonaceous vs. Silicaceous Chondrites
Quick fact
Carbonaceous chondrites contain up to about 20% water by weight, whereas ordinary (silicaceous) chondrites typically contain less than 1% water, and they also differ in metal content—carbonaceous chondrites have relatively little free metal, while ordinary chondrites can contain up to 10-20% Fe-Ni metal.
Why this is interesting
Meteorites are time capsules of the solar system's birth. Why do some carry abundant water and organic molecules while others are drier and metal-rich?