Eucrites

Eucrites are basaltic achondrite meteorites formed on asteroid Vesta, representing crustal material from a differentiated body.
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Eucrites are basaltic achondrites from the crust of asteroid 4 Vesta — volcanic rocks that formed when Vesta's interior melted and erupted onto its surface billions of years ago. They are the most common member of the HED group and among the best-studied achondrites in planetary science. Unless specifically stated in the listing, specimens in this collection are Meteoritical Bulletin classified.

Vesta's volcanic crust

Eucrites represent the uppermost layer of Vesta's differentiated crust — basaltic lava flows and shallow intrusions that solidified at or near the surface. They are compositionally similar to terrestrial basalts but distinct in their specific mineral compositions, oxygen isotope ratios, and trace element signatures. The connection to Vesta was confirmed by NASA's Dawn spacecraft, which measured surface compositions matching HED meteorite geochemistry during its 2011–2012 orbital mission.

Non-cumulate eucrites are the most common type — fine to medium-grained basalts that cooled relatively quickly at the surface. Cumulate eucrites are coarser-grained, having crystallized more slowly in shallower plutonic environments. Polymict eucrites are brecciated — assembled from fragments of multiple eucrite lithologies by impact processes on Vesta's surface.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a eucrite and a polymict eucrite? A simple eucrite is a basaltic rock from a single igneous event on Vesta. A polymict eucrite is a breccia containing fragments from multiple igneous events, mixed by impacts. Polymict eucrites show a mosaic of different clast types on polished faces, giving them greater visual complexity.

Are eucrites from Vesta confirmed? Yes. NASA's Dawn mission confirmed Vesta's surface composition matches HED meteorite geochemistry. This is one of the few meteorite groups with a spacecraft-confirmed parent body.

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: Diogenites · Howardites · HED Meteorites · What Is an Achondrite?