Tatahouine - Diogenite

Tatahouine is a historic witnessed Diogenite fall from Tunisia, which fell near Foum Tatahouine on 27 June 1931. The fall was reported after a low atmospheric explosion, scattering many small fragments over an area northeast of the village. As a Diogenite, Tatahouine belongs to the HED Achondrite family, strongly associated with asteroid 4 Vesta, and represents material from deeper within Vesta’s crust or upper mantle.

Tatahouine specimens are typically pale green to yellow-green, with dark shock veins and a crystalline texture dominated by orthopyroxene. Most recovered material consists of small angular fragments, with larger pieces being particularly uncommon. Its distinctive colour, fragile nature, and historic fall provenance make it one of the most recognisable Diogenites available to collectors.

Studying Tatahouine provides valuable insight into the internal structure of asteroid 4 Vesta, especially the deeper materials exposed and ejected by impact events. Its witnessed fall status, limited recovered mass, and long-standing scientific interest make it especially desirable for Achondrite, HED, and historic meteorite collections. Each specimen represents ancient Vestan material connected to a clearly documented fall in North Africa.