Nagjir 005 Lunar Melt Breccia - 72.1g Full Slice - Rare Lunar Meteorite with Translucent Clasts

This lunar meteorite is classified as a lunar melt breccia.  Lunar melt breccias are impact-generated rocks formed when meteorite or asteroid collisions partially melt the lunar crust and then rapidly cool and solidify.  They provide unique insights into the lunar crust's composition and geological history.

These meteorites are among the most scientifically valuable lunar samples returned during the Apollo program missions because they recorded major impact events.  Radiometric dating of these rocks showed that many formed around 3.8–4.0 billion years ago, helping establish the concept of the Late Heavy Bombardment — a period of intense impacts in the early Solar System.

Its mineral composition is a mix of material from different depths and locations on the moon, such as anorthositic highland crust fragments, basaltic mare material, and mineral fragments such as plagioclase, pyroxene, olivine. In addition, lunar melt breccias often contain shocked plagioclase, high-pressure mineral phases, and melt veins of glass. 

This particular specimen showcases translucent clasts, creating a stunning visual when shining a light behind it, making this lunar meteorite a captivating specimen for collectors and researchers alike.

About Lunar Meteorites:

Unlike Earth, the Moon has only an extremely tenuous exosphere and lacks the substantial atmospheric protection that shields our planet from most incoming meteoroids. As a result, asteroid impacts occur frequently on the lunar surface. These powerful collisions can eject lunar material into space, and on rare occasions, some of these fragments are propelled into Earth-crossing orbits. If a fragment survives its fiery passage through Earth's atmosphere and reaches the ground, it becomes known as a meteorite.

When a suspected lunar meteorite is recovered—often by experienced meteorite hunters—a sample is submitted for scientific analysis. Using petrographic thin sections, chemical testing, and isotopic studies, Meteoriticists compare the specimen's composition to known lunar materials. Its lunar origin is then confirmed through a combination of mineralogical, chemical, and isotopic signatures that match lunar samples returned to Earth by NASA's Apollo missions. Once classified, these rare extraterrestrial specimens find their way into museums, universities, research collections, and private collections around the world.

The Interstellar Collection, LLC is acknowledged by the IMCA (#3950), the Global Meteorite Association (GMA #042) and the Meteorite Club. We unconditionally guarantee the authenticity of all of our meteorites.