Bechar 003 Lunar Meteorite Slice, Feldspathic Breccia, 3.30g, Complete Full Slice

Complete slice of lunar highland material

This 3.30g specimen represents a complete slice through Bechar 003, a feldspathic breccia classified as lunar material from the Moon's highland crust. The slice preserves the full cross-section of this fragment, displaying the characteristic light-colored matrix that defines feldspathic breccias. Found in Algeria in 2022, Bechar 003 consists of angular clasts of anorthositic material cemented together by impact processes on the lunar surface. The complete nature of this slice provides an unobstructed view of the brecciated texture across the entire specimen.

Feldspathic breccias form in the Moon's ancient highland regions, where repeated meteorite impacts over billions of years have shattered and reassembled crustal rocks. This slice captures that violent history in a single cross-section, with lighter plagioclase-rich fragments embedded in a fine-grained matrix. The specimen's completeness makes it particularly suitable for study and display, showing the full extent of the meteorite's internal structure without truncation.

Brecciated texture and composition

The slice exhibits the polymict brecciation typical of lunar highland meteorites. Angular clasts of varying sizes appear throughout the matrix, representing fragments of the Moon's anorthositic crust that were pulverized and lithified by impact events. The light coloration reflects the high plagioclase feldspar content characteristic of the lunar highlands, contrasting with the darker basaltic mare regions.

Under magnification, the boundary between clasts and matrix becomes evident, revealing the complex history of fragmentation and consolidation that created this rock. The feldspathic composition places this material firmly within the suite of highlands breccias that dominate the Moon's ancient crustal regions, formed during the period of heavy bombardment that shaped the early solar system.

Scientific context

Bechar 003 belongs to the feldspathic breccia group of lunar meteorites, which originate from the Moon's highland crust. These ancient rocks, dominated by plagioclase feldspar, represent the Moon's primordial flotation crust that solidified from the lunar magma ocean approximately 4.4 billion years ago. Impact events on the Moon excavated this material, ejecting fragments into space where gravitational interactions eventually delivered them to Earth.

Lunar meteorites provide the only samples of the Moon accessible outside of the Apollo and Luna return missions. Feldspathic breccias specifically offer insight into the composition and evolution of the highlands, which cover approximately 83% of the lunar surface but were undersampled by crewed missions that focused on mare regions. Each lunar meteorite expands our understanding of lunar geology beyond the limited geographic range of sample return sites. Learn About Meteorites to understand how these specimens reach Earth and how they are classified.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? Bechar 003 is classified as Lunar (feldspathic breccia) in the Meteoritical Bulletin Database. You can verify this classification through the Meteoritical Bulletin search. This specimen includes a certificate of authenticity documenting its classification and provenance.

What does feldspathic breccia mean? Feldspathic breccia describes a rock composed primarily of plagioclase feldspar fragments that have been broken apart and recemented by impact processes. The term indicates both the composition (feldspathic, meaning feldspar-rich) and structure (breccia, meaning composed of angular rock fragments). This classification places the meteorite in the lunar highlands suite.

What is included with this specimen? The specimen includes the 3.30g complete slice, certificate of authenticity, specimen card with classification details, and display box for secure storage and presentation.

How do we know this came from the Moon? Lunar meteorites are identified through oxygen isotope analysis, mineral chemistry, and comparison with Apollo samples. The specific ratios of oxygen isotopes in lunar material differ from all other solar system bodies, providing definitive proof of lunar origin. Additionally, the mineralogy and texture match known lunar rock types.

Why are complete slices significant? Complete slices preserve the entire cross-section of a meteorite fragment, showing the full extent of internal structures without truncation. This makes them particularly valuable for display and study, as they reveal the specimen's complete character rather than a partial view of a larger mass.

Collector significance

Lunar meteorites represent some of the most sought-after specimens in meteorite collecting, with feldspathic breccias offering material from the Moon's ancient highland crust. This complete slice format provides maximum visual impact while remaining accessible compared to partial fragments or end cuts. The light coloration and visible brecciation make the specimen immediately recognizable as lunar material, with clear differentiation from terrestrial rocks.

At 3.30g, this specimen balances substantiality with affordability in the lunar market. The complete slice format eliminates questions about what portion of the original fragment is represented, providing a self-contained specimen that requires no context beyond its own boundaries. The included display box protects the specimen while allowing immediate presentation, and the classification as a 2022 find places it among recently recovered lunar material with fresh documentation. Browse our complete selection of Lunar Meteorites to compare highland and mare specimens from different lunar regions.

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