Adrar 013 Lunar Meteorite Individual, Melt Breccia, 14.76g, Flow-Banded Melt Matrix

Flow-banded lunar melt with high-relief mineral clasts

This 14.76g complete individual preserves flow-banded melt structures that formed during impact-driven melting on the lunar surface. The matrix shows directional banding where molten material flowed and rapidly solidified, freezing the motion of the impact event. High-relief mineral clasts project from the surface, creating strong topographic contrast between the recrystallized melt matrix and intact lithic fragments. The stone retains its natural form with no cuts or polishing, displaying the raw geometry of lunar impact breccias.

Adrar 013 was recovered in Algeria in 2023 and classified as a lunar melt breccia with anorthositic norite/gabbro composition. The classification confirms a deep crustal origin, representing material from the Moon's lower crust where plagioclase-rich anorthosite transitions to noritic and gabbroic assemblages. Complete individuals of this size with preserved melt textures enter the market infrequently.

Melt breccia structure and impact textures

The specimen exhibits recrystallized breccia textures characteristic of high-energy impact melting. The melt matrix surrounds angular to sub-angular lithic clasts, some of which display sharp boundaries indicating incomplete assimilation during the melt phase. Flow banding is visible as linear to curvilinear structures within the matrix, produced when the melt moved under shear before solidification. These features record the thermal and kinetic conditions of the impact event.

Mineral clasts stand in high relief due to differential weathering resistance between the melt phase and the included lithic fragments. This topography provides visual depth and makes the brecciation structure immediately apparent. The contrast between dark melt matrix and lighter clast material enhances readability of the breccia texture.

Lunar crustal composition and formation

The anorthositic norite/gabbro classification indicates this meteorite originated from the Moon's deep crust, below the pure anorthositic highlands that dominate the upper crustal column. Noritic and gabbroic compositions form where plagioclase feldspar coexists with orthopyroxene (norite) or clinopyroxene (gabbro), reflecting crystallization conditions deeper in the lunar magma ocean. Impact gardening processes excavated this material and delivered it to the surface where subsequent impacts ejected fragments toward Earth.

Lunar melt breccias form when hypervelocity impacts generate sufficient thermal energy to melt target rock. The melt phase incorporates solid fragments, then cools rapidly in the vacuum environment of the lunar surface. Flow structures preserve the fluid dynamics of the melt before solidification. These rocks provide direct samples of impact processes that shaped the Moon's surface over billions of years. Learn About Meteorites to understand how impacts distribute and process planetary materials.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? Yes. Adrar 013 is classified in the Meteoritical Bulletin as a lunar melt breccia with anorthositic norite/gabbro composition. You can verify the classification through the Meteoritical Bulletin database. This specimen includes a certificate of authenticity from Treasure Coast Meteorite Co.

What does anorthositic norite/gabbro mean? This describes the mineralogical composition: plagioclase feldspar (anorthosite component) combined with orthopyroxene (norite) or clinopyroxene (gabbro). These minerals crystallize in the deep lunar crust where pressure and temperature conditions differ from the pure anorthositic upper crust.

What is included with this specimen? You receive the 14.76g complete individual and a certificate of authenticity. No display stand is included.

Why are complete lunar individuals rare on the market? Most lunar meteorites are small stones that get cut into slices to maximize the number of specimens available for sale and research. Complete individuals above 10g that retain natural surfaces and internal structure are significantly less common in collections.

What are flow-banded textures? Flow banding forms when molten rock moves under shear stress before solidifying. The flowing melt develops linear or curvilinear structures that freeze in place during rapid cooling. These textures record the fluid dynamics of impact-generated melt on the lunar surface.

Significance for lunar meteorite collections

Complete lunar individuals with preserved melt structures represent the highest tier of lunar meteorite specimens. Most lunar meteorites are fragmental breccias; melt breccias with visible flow textures are less common. This specimen provides both scientific documentation of lunar impact processes and display-quality visual interest through its topographic relief and banding.

The 14.76g mass places this stone above the typical size threshold where complete individuals are routinely divided. Collectors seeking uncut lunar material with diagnostic textures have limited options at this scale. The flow-banded matrix and high-relief clasts make this piece immediately recognizable as a melt breccia, requiring no magnification to observe key structural features. Browse our full selection of Lunar Meteorites for additional specimens from the Moon.

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