1.12" Polished Lunar Meteorite Slice (3.4 g) - NWA 11273

This is a 1.12" wide (3.4 grams) slice of the lunar meteorite NWA 11273, collected from near Tindouf, Algeria. It has been nicely cut into a thin slice and polished to a glossy finish on one side.

This specimen comes with an acrylic display case.

Lunar Meteorite - NWA 11273

Meteorite NWA 11273 is a lunar feldspathic breccia meteorite. It is mainly composed of olivine and pigeonite, with substantial amounts of pyroxene, kamacite, and troilite, all minerals deposited by meteorites impacting the Moon. The resulting clasts are highly contrasted throughout the meteorite, and often contain microscopic specks of meteoritic iron. It has a low shock stage and a low weathering grade.

It was found in Algeria in 2017 and subsequently purchased by a consortium in Morocco before being classified in 2018. A total of 2808 grams of the meteorite are known.

Meteoritical Bulletin: Entry for The NWA 11273 Meteorite

Moon Rocks... On Earth...

Think the only moon rocks on Earth are samples brought back from Apollo missions? Think again!

Lunar meteorites are type of achondrite meteorites that were formed like other stony (chondrite) meteorites, but they were ejected into space by meteorites and other celestial bodies hitting the moon. Almost all lunar meteorites are brecciated amalgamations of feldspathic and basaltic rocks commonly found on the Moon's surface.

Lunar meteorites are pretty rare to find on Earth: the vast majority of meteorites are from the asteroid belt, and less than 1 percent of classified meteorites are lunar in origin. The total mass of all known lunar meteorites is probably less than 1,000 kilograms. Owning a piece of the moon is a pretty rare accomplishment!

One reason they are so rare is because lunar meteorites superficially look just like earth rocks. Even a true meteorite expert would not recognize a lunar meteor laying on the ground among earthly stones. Lunar meteorites have only been recognized in places naturally devoid of rocks, like sandy deserts and ice sheets. In fact, there has never been a lunar meteorite classified from North America, South America or Europe. Most are found in the Sahara Desert (Northwest Africa), Antarctica, or Oman. All Antarctic meteorites are governmental property so they cannot be privately attained.
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DETAILS
TYPE
Lunar (Feldspathic Breccia)
LOCATION
Tindouf, Algeria
SIZE
1.12 x 1.0", 0.1" thick, Weight: 3.4 grams
ITEM
#247001