Adrar 013 Lunar Meteorite, Lunar Melt Breccia, 142.20g, Complete Individual

Adrar 013 is one of 60 approved meteorites classified as Lunar (melt breccia). This 142.20g complete individual records the Moon's impact history in frozen detail: flow-banded melt matrix wrapping angular clasts of anorthositic norite and gabbro, with acicular crystals nucleating on entrained mineral grains in the quench zones. Complete lunar individuals over 100 grams rarely reach the private market.

The specimen

This 142.20g stone is a complete, unmodified individual with no cuts, polishing, or preparation beyond documentation. The surface displays the grayish-green coloration characteristic of this stone, consistent with the anorthosite-rich melt matrix described in the MetBull writeup. Flow banding sweeps through the exposed faces, wrapping around millimeter-scale clasts that project in relief from the dark melt matrix. The contrast between light crustal fragments and the impact-generated matrix is visible across multiple orientations, giving the piece strong display presence from several viewing angles. No fusion crust is present on this specimen.

At 142.20g, this specimen sits well above the 1 to 20g range that defines most complete lunar individuals reaching the private market. The total known mass of Adrar 013 is 3.15 kg distributed across several institutional and private holders. A complete three-digit-gram individual from this material is a centerpiece-tier specimen.

Classification and scientific context

Adrar 013 is classified in the Meteoritical Bulletin (MB 113, approved February 14, 2024) as Lunar (melt breccia), purchased in Timokten, Algeria in 2023. Classification was performed by A. Greshake at the Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin. The type specimen, 20.5g, is held at MNB Berlin. Classification follows the Stoeffler et al. (1980) lunar highland rock nomenclature system.

The anorthositic norite/gabbro composition links the material to the Moon's ancient feldspathic highlands, formed approximately 4.4 billion years ago when the lunar magma ocean crystallized and plagioclase feldspar floated to form the primordial crust. The mixture of norite and gabbro clasts indicates sampling from a stratigraphic sequence where both rock types coexist in the lower highland crust, likely excavated to the surface by a later large impact. Calcic plagioclase compositions of An95.8±0.8 confirm the anorthositic character of the source lithology and are consistent with lunar highland crustal material rather than mare basalt. To understand how lunar meteorites are classified, see our Learn section.

The melt breccia texture records the impact itself. Pronounced flow banding indicates the melt was still mobile during quenching, capturing directional movement within the ejecta. Acicular crystals nucleating on larger entrained mineral grains mark the quench front where rapid cooling arrested crystallization. Angular clast boundaries show the lithic fragments remained solid during incorporation into the melt, while some clast edges display partial melting where contact temperatures exceeded their solidus. Published shock stage is high. Weathering grade is low.

Published geochemistry (A. Greshake, MNB): olivine Fa24.0±0.1 (FeO/MnO=84±8, n=7); pigeonite Fs25.0±1.5Wo10.0±0.5 (FeO/MnO=47±3, n=7); zoned Ca-pyroxene Fs23.4±3.2Wo29.3±6.2 (FeO/MnO=45±5, n=7); calcic plagioclase An95.8±0.8 (n=7). Major phases are pigeonite, zoned augite, and olivine. Minor phases include ilmenite, chromite, and troilite.

Vesicles are absent, consistent with formation in the lunar vacuum where volatile loss occurs effectively instantaneously. A subsequent impact eventually launched the consolidated breccia off the Moon, where it orbited the Sun before intersecting Earth's atmosphere.

Acquisition

This specimen ships with a certificate of authenticity from Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. (IMCA #3323) documenting its Meteoritical Bulletin classification and provenance. Secure, fully insured shipping is included. This specimen qualifies for white-glove service, including coordinated delivery and insured transport. No display stand is included.

For institutional acquisition inquiries, contact brian@tcmeteorites.com or visit our White Glove Service page.

Frequently asked questions

Is Adrar 013 officially classified?
Yes. Adrar 013 is approved in the Meteoritical Bulletin, MB 113 (approved February 14, 2024), as Lunar (melt breccia), purchased in Algeria in 2023. Classification was conducted by A. Greshake at the Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin.

What does "melt breccia" mean?
Melt breccia forms when impact energy partially melts the target rock and incorporates solid fragments into the molten matrix. Rapid cooling preserves both the liquid component, now glass and fine crystals, and the solid component, lithic clasts, in a single rock. Flow structures and quench textures record the melt's movement and cooling history before solidification.

What is the significance of An95.8 plagioclase?
Calcic plagioclase with anorthite content above An90 is characteristic of the lunar highland crust rather than mare basalt. The An95.8±0.8 composition published for Adrar 013 is consistent with anorthosite from the primordial lunar crust, formed when the magma ocean crystallized approximately 4.4 billion years ago. This composition distinguishes highland crustal material from younger volcanic material and helps confirm the source region on the Moon.

How did this rock get from the Moon to Earth?
A hypervelocity impact on the Moon launched material above lunar escape velocity (2.38 km/s). The ejected rock orbited the Sun until its trajectory intersected Earth's atmosphere, at which point it entered as a meteor and was recovered as a meteorite.

Why is a complete individual at this mass significant?
Most lunar meteorites fragment during atmospheric passage or on ground impact. A complete unmodified individual preserves the original ballistic form and interior fabric without the material loss of cutting or preparation. For lunar material, where total worldwide classified mass across all types is under 750 kg, a three-digit-gram complete individual occupies a structurally scarce category.

What documentation is included?
A certificate of authenticity from Treasure Coast Meteorite Co. (IMCA #3323) documenting classification and provenance, referencing the Meteoritical Bulletin entry for Adrar 013, MB 113.

Meteoritical Bulletin entry: Adrar 013 | Classification: Lunar (melt breccia) | Purchased, Timokten, Algeria, 2023 | MB 113, approved February 14, 2024 | Classifier: A. Greshake, MNB Berlin | Type specimen: 20.5g, Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin

Offered by Treasure Coast Meteorite Co., IMCA #3323. Browse our Lunar Meteorites collection for additional authenticated lunar specimens.