Bechar 003 Lunar Meteorite Slice, Feldspathic Breccia, 4.75g, Complete Full Slice

Complete slice of Moon material from Algeria

This 4.75g slice represents a complete cross-section of Bechar 003, a feldspathic breccia from the lunar highlands. The full slice format preserves the entire width of the original fragment, showing uninterrupted lunar regolith structure from edge to edge. Found in Algeria in 2022, this specimen arrived on Earth after being ejected from the Moon's surface by an asteroid impact powerful enough to achieve lunar escape velocity.

Feldspathic breccias form in the Moon's ancient highlands, where repeated micrometeorite bombardment over billions of years welds together fragments of anorthositic crust. This slice displays that characteristic brecciated texture—a mosaic of angular clasts compressed into a coherent matrix. The complete format allows examination of how these fragments distribute across the specimen's full width.

Brecciated lunar highland structure

The slice shows feldspathic breccia texture throughout, with lighter plagioclase-rich clasts embedded in a darker impact-processed matrix. These clasts represent pieces of the Moon's primordial anorthositic crust, formed when plagioclase feldspar crystallized and floated to the surface of the lunar magma ocean approximately 4.4 billion years ago. The matrix between clasts consists of finer crushed material that was melted and recrystallized during subsequent impact events.

Unlike mare basalts, which come from the Moon's dark volcanic plains, feldspathic breccias originate from the bright highland regions that dominate the lunar far side and much of the near side visible from Earth. The absence of volcanic minerals and the abundance of plagioclase feldspar confirm this highland origin.

Scientific context

Bechar 003 belongs to the feldspathic breccia category of lunar meteorites, representing material from the Moon's ancient highland crust. These specimens provide accessible samples of lunar geology without requiring spacecraft missions. The Moon has no atmosphere to burn away incoming meteoroids, so its surface accumulates impact debris that eventually gets compressed and welded into breccias like this one. An asteroid impact millions of years ago launched this material into space, where it eventually intersected Earth's orbit and fell in Algeria.

Lunar meteorites account for a tiny fraction of all meteorite finds worldwide. Most originate from the lunar highlands rather than the mare regions, giving scientists access to terrain not sampled by the Apollo missions. Learn About Meteorites for more information on how different meteorite types form and reach Earth.

Frequently asked questions

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

What does feldspathic breccia mean? Feldspathic refers to the high plagioclase feldspar content characteristic of the lunar highlands. Breccia describes rock composed of angular fragments that have been broken apart and fused back together by impact events. This texture records the Moon's violent impact history.

What is included with this specimen? The listing includes the 4.75g complete slice, certificate of authenticity, specimen card with classification details, and protective display box.

How did this rock get from the Moon to Earth? An asteroid impact on the Moon's surface created an explosion violent enough to accelerate debris beyond the Moon's escape velocity of 2.38 kilometers per second. The ejected fragments entered solar orbit and eventually intersected Earth's trajectory, falling as meteorites millions of years after their initial ejection.

What makes this a complete slice? This specimen preserves the full width of the original fragment from edge to edge, rather than being a partial section or end cut. Complete slices show the entire cross-sectional structure of the meteorite, providing maximum scientific and display value.

Lunar specimen collecting

Feldspathic breccias represent the most common type of lunar meteorite available to collectors, yet remain far scarcer than any other meteorite category. The 4.75g weight provides substantial size at an accessible price point compared to smaller fragments. Complete slices command collector interest because they preserve the full structural context of the specimen rather than showing only a partial cross-section.

The included display box allows immediate presentation without requiring additional stands or cases. Bechar 003's 2022 classification makes it among the more recently recognized lunar finds, adding contemporary appeal to the ancient material itself. For collectors building comprehensive holdings, this specimen represents the highland terrane that covers most of the Moon's surface. Explore additional specimens in our Lunar Meteorites collection.

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