Where Are Achondrites Formed?

Achondrites, constituting about 4 percent of the known meteorites, are similar in appearance to terrestrial igneous rocks that have a low silica content, such as basalts, peridotites, and pyroxenites. Most formed by various melting and crystallization processes within asteroids.

Where do most achondrites come from?

Achondrites account for about 8% of meteorites overall, and the majority (about two thirds) of them are HED meteorites, possibly originating from the crust of asteroid 4 Vesta. Other types include Martian, Lunar, and several types thought to originate from as-yet unidentified asteroids.

Where are achondrites found on Earth?

Most achondrites collected on Earth are derived from asteroids, but one small group is thought to come from Mars and another from the Moon. Sawed and polished section of a fragment of the Johnstown meteorite, an achondrite that was seen to fall July 6, 1924, in Colorado.