Eucrite meteorite
A meteorite classification type
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Eucrite meteorite
Name:
Eucrites get their name from the Greek word eukritos meaning "easily distinguished". This refers to the silicate minerals in them, which can be easily distinguished because of their relatively large grain size.
Eucrites are the most abundant type of basaltic achondrite, linked by geochemical traits such as oxygen isotopic ratios and certain elemental ratios, of which Fe/Mn is the most widely cited. The main minerals in eucrites are Fe-rich pyroxene and Na-poor plagioclase. The eucrites are strongly linked with the diogenites and howardites; the three groups are collectively known as HED meteorites and may come from asteroid 4 Vesta.
Note that the name eucrite was previously improperly applied to varieties of gabbro, usually ophitic, where the plagioclase was bytownite with both ortho- and clino-pyroxenes and olivine. An important rock type in the Tertiary complexes of Scotland, UK. This term should no longer be used as a rock name.
"An arbitrary divide between howardites and the polymict eucrites is a 9:1 ratio of eucrite to diogenite fragments." (Wikipedia)
Note that the name eucrite was previously improperly applied to varieties of gabbro, usually ophitic, where the plagioclase was bytownite with both ortho- and clino-pyroxenes and olivine. An important rock type in the Tertiary complexes of Scotland, UK. This term should no longer be used as a rock name.
"An arbitrary divide between howardites and the polymict eucrites is a 9:1 ratio of eucrite to diogenite fragments." (Wikipedia)
Meteoritical Society Code: Eucrite
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
49880
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:49880:3
Classification of Eucrite meteorite
Sub-divisions of Eucrite meteorite
Mineralogy of Eucrite meteorite
Essential minerals - these are minerals that are required within the classification of this rock:
| Feldspar > Plagioclase | (Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi2]O8 |
| Pyroxene | A petrological term for Pyroxene Group. |
Non-essential minerals - these minerals are common, sometimes major components, but are not always present:
| Pyroxene > Clinopyroxene > Augite | (CaxMgyFez)(Mgy1Fez1)Si2O6 |
Synonyms of Eucrite meteorite
Internet Links for Eucrite meteorite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-49880.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
References for Eucrite meteorite
Reference List:
Duke, Michael B., Silver, Leon T. (1967) Petrology of eucrites, howardites and mesosiderites. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 31 (10) 1637-1665 doi:10.1016/0016-7037(67)90112-3
Keil, Klaus (2010) Enstatite achondrite meteorites (aubrites) and the histories of their asteroidal parent bodies. Geochemistry, 70 (4) 295-317 doi:10.1016/j.chemer.2010.02.002
Recorded finds for Eucrite meteorite
Showing 58 recorded finds.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Millbillillie meteorite, Wiluna, Wiluna Shire, Western Australia, Australia