Diogenites

Diogenites are orthopyroxenite achondrites from the deep crust or upper mantle of asteroid 4 Vesta. They represent material that crystallized more slowly and at greater depth than eucrites, giving them a coarser grain size and a composition dominated by the mineral orthopyroxene. Unless specifically stated in the listing, specimens in this collection are Meteoritical Bulletin classified.

How we verify diogenites are real

Every specimen is tied to a Meteoritical Bulletin entry, the official global registry of classified meteorites maintained by the Meteoritical Society. Vesta origin is confirmed through oxygen isotope ratios, pyroxene chemistry, and reflectance spectra that match measurements made directly at Vesta by NASA's Dawn mission from 2011 to 2012. The Bulletin record is the definitive proof of authenticity. Read more: The Meteoritical Bulletin Explained.

From deep within Vesta

While eucrites represent Vesta's basaltic surface, diogenites sample deeper levels, the cumulate rocks that formed as minerals settled out of slowly cooling magma bodies at depth within the crust. The result is a coarser-grained, orthopyroxene-dominated rock quite different in appearance from the finer-grained eucrites despite originating from the same parent body.

Diogenites are named after the ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes of Apollonia, who proposed in the 5th century BC that meteorites came from space, a remarkably prescient idea for its time.

Frequently asked questions

How do diogenites differ from eucrites? Eucrites are basaltic surface rocks dominated by pyroxene and plagioclase. Diogenites are coarser-grained cumulate rocks from deeper in Vesta's crust, dominated by orthopyroxene with little or no plagioclase. They are visually distinct, with diogenites often having a granular, greenish-gray appearance. Read more: Eucrites.

Are diogenites magnetic? Diogenites contain very little metallic iron and are typically not noticeably magnetic. A strongly magnetic specimen marketed as a diogenite warrants closer inspection. Read more: Are Meteorites Magnetic?

How can I tell a diogenite is real? Authentic diogenites have a Meteoritical Bulletin entry, ship with documentation, and show characteristic coarse orthopyroxene texture. Many diogenites are brecciated by impacts on Vesta. Read more: How Can You Tell if a Meteorite Is Real?

What does the name diogenite mean? The group is named after Diogenes of Apollonia, the ancient Greek philosopher who suggested that meteorites had an extraterrestrial origin. The type specimen, the Tatahouine fall, helped formalize the group in 1931.

Are these specimens authenticated? Unless otherwise noted, every diogenite here has a Meteoritical Bulletin record and ships with a Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. certificate of authenticity.

See also: Eucrites · Howardites · HED Meteorites · Stony Meteorites · What Is an Achondrite? · Are Meteorites Illegal to Own?