Diogenite
— Group —
The Johnstown Diogenite.
TypeAchondrite
Structural classificationIgneous rocks of plutonic origin
ClassAsteroidal achondrite
ClanHED
Parent body4 Vesta
CompositionPrimarily magnesium-rich orthopyroxene, a little plagioclase & olivine
Total known specimens~40
Tatahouine, diogenite

Diogenites are a group of the HED meteorite clan, a type of achondritic stony meteorites.

Origin and composition

Diogenites are currently believed to originate from deep within the crust of the asteroid 4 Vesta, and as such are part of the HED meteorite clan. There are about 40 distinct members known.

Diogenites are composed of igneous rocks of plutonic origin, having solidified slowly enough deep within Vesta's crust to form crystals which are larger than in the eucrites. These crystals are primarily magnesium-rich orthopyroxene, with small amounts of plagioclase and olivine.[1]

Name

Diogenites are named for Diogenes of Apollonia, an ancient Greek philosopher who was the first to suggest an outer space origin for meteorites.[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ Beck, A. W.; McSween, H. Y. (2010). "Diogenites as polymict breccias composed of orthopyroxenite and harzburgite". Meteoritics and Planetary Science. 45 (5): 850–872. Bibcode:2010M&PS...45..850B. doi:10.1111/j.1945-5100.2010.01061.x.
  2. ^ Dawn, Walter & Audrey. "Why is it called Diogenite?". Retrieved 18 July 2011.

External links

Meteorites and meteoritics
Categories