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| Eucrite | |
|---|---|
| — Group — | |
 Stannern eucrite, found in the Czech Republic. | |
| Compositional type | Stony |
| Type | Achondrite |
| Class | Asteroidal achondrite |
| Clan | HED meteorite |
| Subgroups |
|
| Parent body | 4 Vesta and others |
| Composition | Basaltic rock, mostlyCalcium-poorpyroxene,pigeonite, and Calcium-richplagioclase (anorthite) |
| Total known specimens | >100 |
 GRA98033 abrecciated eucrite about 5 cm across, found in the Graves Nunataks region of Antarctica. | |
Eucrites areachondritic stonymeteorites, many of which originate from the surface of theasteroid4 Vesta and are part of theHED meteorite clan. They are the most common achondrite group with over 100 meteorites found.
Eucrites consist ofbasaltic rock from thecrust of4 Vesta or a similar parent body. They are mostly composed ofcalcium-poorpyroxene,pigeonite, and calcium-richplagioclase (anorthite).[1]
Based on differences of chemical composition and features of the component crystals, they are subdivided into several groups:[2]
Eucrites get their name from the Greek wordeukritos meaning "easily distinguished". This refers to the silicate minerals in them, which can be easily distinguished because of their relatively large grain size.
Eucrite is also a now obsolete term forbytownite-gabbro, anigneous rock formed in the Earth'scrust. The term was used as a rock type name for some of thePaleogene igneous rocks ofScotland.[3]