Bechar 003 Lunar Meteorite Slice, Feldspathic Breccia, 3.19g, Complete Full Slice

Complete slice of classified lunar material

This 3.19g slice represents a complete cross-section through a feldspathic breccia fragment from the Moon. The specimen displays angular clasts of varying sizes suspended in a fine-grained matrix, characteristic of lunar highland breccias formed by impact processes on the lunar surface. The full outline preserves the natural edges of the original fragment, providing context for the internal structure visible across the face.

Bechar 003 was recovered in Algeria in 2022 and classified as a lunar feldspathic breccia, placing it among the highland-type lunar meteorites that sample the ancient anorthositic crust of the Moon. At 3.19g, this slice offers substantial size for study and display while maintaining accessibility for private collectors.

Brecciation and clast structure

The slice reveals a heterogeneous texture dominated by angular mineral and lithic clasts set in a fine-grained groundmass. Light-toned feldspathic fragments appear throughout the section, reflecting the plagioclase-rich composition typical of lunar highland material. The clast boundaries remain distinct, indicating minimal thermal alteration following the impact events that assembled this breccia.

The matrix between clasts shows the compact, welded character of impact-generated lunar regolith that was lithified by subsequent impacts. This texture records the violent collisional history of the lunar highlands, where repeated meteoroid impacts over billions of years have pulverized and reassembled surface materials into the complex breccias now sampled by meteorites like Bechar 003.

Scientific context

Feldspathic breccias represent the ancient lunar highlands, the light-colored regions visible from Earth that cover approximately 83% of the Moon's surface. These materials formed during the Moon's magma ocean phase over 4 billion years ago, when less dense plagioclase feldspar floated to form a thick anorthositic crust. Subsequent bombardment by asteroids and comets shattered and mixed these crustal rocks, creating the complex breccias observed in highland meteorites.

Lunar meteorites reach Earth after high-energy impacts on the Moon eject fragments at velocities exceeding the lunar escape velocity of 2.38 km/s. These ejected pieces spend thousands to millions of years orbiting the Sun before intersecting Earth's orbit and falling as meteorites. Learn About Meteorites to understand how scientists distinguish lunar material from terrestrial rocks and other meteorite types.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? Bechar 003 is classified in the Meteoritical Bulletin as a lunar feldspathic breccia based on oxygen isotope analysis, mineral chemistry, and petrographic study. The classification confirms lunar origin through diagnostic oxygen isotope ratios and mineral compositions matching Apollo mission samples. Meteoritical Bulletin entry: Bechar 003. A certificate of authenticity documenting the specimen's provenance accompanies this piece.

What does feldspathic breccia mean? Feldspathic breccias are lunar rocks composed primarily of plagioclase feldspar fragments (clasts) that have been broken apart and reassembled by meteoroid impacts on the Moon's surface. The term feldspathic indicates high feldspar content, while breccia describes the fragmented, clast-rich texture. These meteorites sample the Moon's ancient highland crust.

What is included with this specimen? The specimen weighs 3.19g and includes a certificate of authenticity, custom specimen card with classification details, and protective display box.

How do we know this came from the Moon? Laboratory analysis measures oxygen isotope ratios, which plot along a distinct line for lunar materials that differs from Earth, Mars, and asteroid-derived meteorites. Mineral compositions, particularly plagioclase feldspar chemistry and the presence of specific pyroxene types, match Apollo lunar samples. The low iron content and absence of water-bearing minerals further confirm lunar origin.

Collector significance

Lunar meteorites represent some of the most accessible extraterrestrial materials for private collectors, offering direct samples of Earth's nearest celestial neighbor without the expense of space missions. Complete slices like this 3.19g piece preserve the full context of the original fragment's shape and internal structure, unlike partial sections or fragments. The feldspathic breccia classification places this specimen among the highland-type lunar meteorites that sample regions of the Moon not visited by Apollo or Luna missions.

At this weight and with full-slice morphology, the specimen balances collectibility with scientific interest. The visible clast structure provides immediate visual evidence of lunar impact processes, while the classified status and included documentation ensure long-term value. Explore additional specimens in our Lunar Meteorites collection.

Meteoritical Bulletin entry: Bechar 003 | Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia) | Find, Algeria, 2022