Lunar Meteorites

Lunar meteorites are rocks from the Moon that were ejected by large impacts, launched into space, and eventually recovered on Earth. They are among the rarest materials available to collectors, with a combined total known weight of only a few hundred kilograms worldwide. Unless specifically stated in the listing, specimens in this collection are Meteoritical Bulletin classified and represent genuine lunar material verified through laboratory analysis.

The only legal way to own the Moon

NASA Apollo mission samples and material returned by other government space programs are the property of their respective governments and cannot be privately owned. Lunar meteorites are entirely different. They were found on Earth, recovered legally, and classified through the standard meteorite classification process. They are the only way for private collectors to own authenticated lunar material, and every specimen carries independent scientific verification of its lunar origin.

Lunar origin is established through multiple independent lines of evidence: mineralogy consistent with lunar samples, oxygen isotope ratios matching the lunar value, and trace element and isotopic signatures that distinguish lunar material from all terrestrial rocks and other meteorite types. The combination of these analyses provides unambiguous identification. Read more about how meteorites get classified at Meteoritical Bulletin Explained.

Types of lunar meteorites

Lunar highland meteorites (feldspathic breccias, anorthosites, regolith breccias) originate from the pale, heavily cratered terrain covering most of the lunar surface. They represent the Moon's original anorthositic crust, some of the oldest planetary material recoverable on Earth, formed when the lunar magma ocean solidified approximately 4.4 billion years ago. These are typically light gray to off-white with a complex brecciated texture.

Lunar mare basalts originate from the dark volcanic plains visible on the lunar nearside, ancient lava flows that flooded large impact basins between 3 and 4 billion years ago. They are darker, finer-grained, and richer in iron and magnesium than highland material.

Mingled (mixed highland-mare) breccias combine clasts of both anorthositic highland material and basaltic mare material in a single rock, mechanically mixed by large impact events. These meteorites are scientifically valuable because they sample multiple lunar terrains at once, and they often include rarer rock types such as lunar gabbros, KREEP-rich material, and impact-melt breccias. Texturally they show a range of clast colors and matrix tones within a single specimen.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know a lunar meteorite is genuine? Every lunar meteorite in this collection has a Meteoritical Bulletin entry confirming its classification. The listing includes a direct link to the official record. Each specimen ships with a Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. certificate of authenticity. Read more: What Is a Lunar Meteorite?

Is it legal to own a lunar meteorite? Yes. Lunar meteorites found outside Antarctica are legally owned and traded. They are not Apollo samples. Read more: Can You Legally Buy a Moon Rock? · Are Meteorites Illegal to Own?

How rare are lunar meteorites? The total combined weight of all known lunar meteorites is only a few hundred kilograms, which makes them among the rarest materials in any collector market. Read more: How Rare Are Meteorites?

How much do lunar meteorites cost? Lunar meteorites are among the most expensive meteorite types by weight, driven by their extreme rarity, scientific significance, and limited supply. Pricing varies by classification, condition, and whether the specimen is a complete individual or a slice. Read more: How Much Do Meteorites Cost?

How can I tell my lunar meteorite is real? Genuine lunar meteorites have a Meteoritical Bulletin entry, ship with documentation, and come from established dealers. Visual identification alone is not sufficient because lunar rocks share textures with terrestrial breccias and basalts. Read more: How Can You Tell if a Meteorite Is Real?

See also: Martian Meteorites · What Is a Lunar Meteorite? · Can You Legally Buy a Moon Rock?