Early silicic magmatism on a differentiated asteroid

Unlike the other terrestrial planets, Earth has a substantial silica-rich continental crust with bulk andesitic composition. A small number of meteorites compositions have been identified that are thought to be products partial melting chondritic protoliths, mode petrogenesis distinct from Earth’s crust. Here we show, using geochemical analyses, unlike known meteorites, Erg Chech 002 strongly fractionated and low abundances highly siderophile elements mineralogy consistent origin melt. The meteorite’s composition, which is similar andesites, cannot explained by basaltic lithologies instead requires metal-free source. We argue probably formed ~15–25% mantle an alkali-undepleted differentiated asteroid. Our findings suggest extensive silicate differentiation after metal–silicate equilibration parent bodies was already occurring within first 2.25 million years Solar System history formation does not necessarily require plate tectonics. Geochemical analyses meteorite continental-crust-like composition due core on body.