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.

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. The HED connection to Vesta was confirmed by NASA's Dawn spacecraft during its 2011–2012 orbital mission.

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 — diogenites often have a granular, greenish-gray appearance.

Are these specimens authenticated? Unless specifically stated in the listing title or description, specimens in this collection are Meteoritical Bulletin classified with a direct link to the official record. Every purchase ships with a Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. certificate of authenticity.

See also: Eucrites · Howardites · HED Meteorites