Fragment of the Nantan meteorite that fell to Earth over China in 1516. The Nantan meteorite was an iron meteorite that broke up in the air and its fragments can be found over an area of 1000 square kilometers. The meteorite fragments are composed of 90 per cent iron, with 7 per cent nickel and at least 30 other minerals and trace elements. Iron meteorites (siderites) are remnants from the formation of the solar system.