Adrar 013 Lunar Meteorite Individual, Melt Breccia, 10.53g, Flow-Banded Texture

Flow-banded lunar melt preserved in natural form

This 10.53-gram complete individual from Adrar 013 shows the flow-banded melt texture characteristic of high-energy impact processes on the lunar surface. The specimen remains uncut and unshaped, preserving its natural exterior and internal melt structure. Dark melt matrix wraps around high-relief mineral clasts, creating strong visual contrast between the recrystallized breccia components and the frozen impact melt. The flow banding records the moment molten material cooled rapidly after a violent impact event, capturing directional movement in the melt before solidification.

Anorthositic norite and gabbro components define the mineralogy of this lunar melt breccia. The classification reflects deep lunar crustal source materials melted and mixed during impact. This specimen presents the structural evidence of that process in tangible form -- no polishing required to observe the melt relationships and clast boundaries that define lunar impact breccias.

Melt breccia structure and clast relationships

The specimen displays a heterogeneous texture where angular to subangular lithic clasts sit within a fine-grained melt matrix. Flow banding becomes visible where the matrix shows directional alignment, indicating movement during the molten phase. High-relief mineral clasts project slightly from the surface, a result of differential weathering between the harder crystalline inclusions and the softer matrix material.

Recrystallization textures throughout the matrix indicate rapid cooling from high temperatures. The anorthositic norite and gabbro clast population reflects sampling of lunar highland crust during the impact event. These clasts retain their original mineralogy while the matrix records the melting and quenching sequence. The boundary between clasts and matrix remains sharp in most areas, showing incomplete homogenization during the melt phase.

Lunar impact melt formation and Moon rock geology

Lunar melt breccias form during major impact events that generate sufficient energy to melt crustal rock. The Moon lacks atmospheric protection, allowing impactors to strike at full cosmic velocity and produce temperatures exceeding 1,200°C. Molten material mixes with solid clasts, then cools rapidly in the vacuum environment. This process creates the distinctive melt-clast textures visible in Adrar 013.

The anorthositic norite and gabbro composition indicates deep highland crust as the source region. Anorthosite dominates the lunar highlands, formed during the Moon's early differentiation when plagioclase feldspar crystals floated in a global magma ocean. Later intrusions and impacts added norite and gabbro components. When a large impact excavates this layered crust, it samples multiple rock types and creates the mixed lithology seen in this specimen. Lunar meteorites reach Earth after separate impact events eject material from the Moon's surface at escape velocity, eventually intersecting Earth's orbit. Learn About Meteorites provides background on how these rare specimens travel from planetary surfaces to terrestrial collections.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? Adrar 013 received official classification as a lunar melt breccia with anorthositic norite/gabbro composition. The Meteoritical Bulletin maintains the classification record and find documentation. This specimen includes a certificate of authenticity from Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. confirming its classification and provenance.

What does melt breccia mean? A melt breccia contains solid rock fragments (clasts) suspended in a matrix of once-molten material that cooled and solidified. In lunar melt breccias, impact energy melts crustal rock while also breaking apart surrounding material. The molten component flows around solid clasts before cooling rapidly, creating the mixed texture visible in this specimen.

What is included with this specimen? This 10.53g complete lunar individual ships with a certificate of authenticity. No display stand is included unless separately confirmed.

How do scientists know this came from the Moon? Lunar meteorites show diagnostic mineral compositions, oxygen isotope ratios, and trace element patterns that match Apollo samples and differ from all terrestrial rocks and other meteorite types. The combination of anorthositic composition, specific feldspar chemistry, and lack of water-altered minerals confirms lunar origin.

Why is this specimen uncut? Complete individuals preserve the natural exterior and three-dimensional structure of the meteorite as it traveled through space and survived atmospheric entry. Collectors value uncut specimens for their natural form and the scientific information retained in the intact structure. This piece shows melt textures and clast relationships without modification.

Acquiring lunar material for private collections

Lunar meteorites represent the only legal pathway for private individuals to own Moon rocks. Apollo samples remain U.S. government property, and Luna mission material belongs to Russia. Meteorites from the Moon that fall naturally on Earth can be collected, classified, and sold. This creates rare opportunities to acquire genuine lunar material with full documentation.

The 10.53-gram mass of this Adrar 013 individual places it in a size range suitable for serious planetary specimen collections. The complete natural form preserves the exterior surface and internal structure without cuts or modification. Flow-banded melt textures remain visible across the specimen, offering both scientific interest and visual appeal. Lunar melt breccias with preserved flow structures and clear clast-matrix relationships demonstrate the impact processes that have shaped the Moon's surface for billions of years. Lunar Meteorites in our collection represent verified specimens with full classification documentation.

Meteoritical Bulletin entry: Adrar 013 | Classification: Lunar melt breccia (anorthositic norite/gabbro) | Find, Algeria, 2023