What distinguishes Vesta's internal structure from most other asteroids?

Vesta's internal structure is distinguished by its differentiation, which refers to the process by which a planetary body develops distinct layers, with materials separating based on their densities. This results in a core, mantle, and crust, similar to the more evolved and larger terrestrial planets, such as Earth. This differentiated structure means that Vesta has undergone significant thermal processes that allowed heavier materials, like metals, to settle toward its center, while lighter materials are positioned above.

In contrast, many other asteroids are primarily composed of homogeneous materials and have not experienced this level of evolution, which keeps their structures more primitive and uniform. Differentiation is a key aspect that provides insights into the history of Vesta and how it fits within the broader context of planetary formation in our solar system.