Rabt Sbayta 007 Lunar Meteorite Slice, Feldspathic Breccia, 1.44g, Complete Full Slice

Complete slice of lunar highland material

This 1.44g complete slice of Rabt Sbayta 007 preserves feldspathic breccia from the Moon's ancient highland crust. The specimen displays the characteristic light-toned feldspathic matrix that defines lunar highland material, formed over 4 billion years ago during the Moon's early differentiation. As a full slice rather than a fragment, this piece shows the complete cross-section of the meteorite's internal structure, providing clear visibility of the brecciated texture throughout.

Rabt Sbayta 007 was recovered in Western Sahara in 2017 and classified as a feldspathic breccia, placing it among the lunar meteorites that sample the Moon's ancient anorthositic crust. The slice format preserves both natural exterior and interior features, offering a comprehensive view of lunar highland geology in a compact, display-ready format.

Feldspathic breccia structure

The slice reveals the fragmental nature of lunar highland breccias, consisting of angular clasts of anorthosite and related feldspathic lithologies cemented together by impact processes. Feldspathic breccias form when meteoroid impacts on the Moon's surface shatter and mix highland crustal rocks, then lithify the debris through shock compression and localized melting. The light coloration results from the dominance of plagioclase feldspar, the primary mineral in the lunar highlands.

Microscopic examination of feldspathic breccias reveals multiple generations of impact processing, with clasts containing earlier brecciation events embedded within younger breccia matrices. This layered history records billions of years of bombardment on the airless lunar surface, where every impact contributes to the ongoing recycling of crustal material.

Scientific context

Lunar meteorites originate from the Moon's surface, ejected into space by large asteroid impacts with sufficient energy to overcome lunar gravity. These specimens drift through space until Earth's gravity captures them, delivering samples from regions of the Moon not visited by Apollo or Luna missions. Feldspathic breccias specifically sample the lunar highlands, the light-colored, heavily cratered terrain visible from Earth that contrasts with the darker volcanic maria.

The lunar highlands represent the Moon's primordial crust, formed when plagioclase feldspar floated to the top of the lunar magma ocean approximately 4.4 billion years ago. This anorthositic material dominates the Moon's far side and much of the near side highlands, making feldspathic meteorites critical for understanding the Moon's early differentiation and subsequent impact history. Learn About Meteorites to understand how these specimens reach Earth and why they matter for planetary science.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? Rabt Sbayta 007 is officially classified in the Meteoritical Bulletin as a lunar feldspathic breccia. The classification confirms lunar origin through oxygen isotope analysis, mineral chemistry, and petrographic examination. Meteoritical Bulletin entry: Rabt Sbayta 007. Every specimen includes a certificate of authenticity documenting its classification and provenance.

What does feldspathic breccia mean? Feldspathic breccia describes a rock composed primarily of feldspar-rich fragments (clasts) cemented together by impact processes. In lunar meteorites, this classification indicates material from the Moon's ancient highland crust, where plagioclase feldspar dominates the mineralogy. The brecciated texture results from repeated meteoroid impacts that shattered and mixed crustal rocks over billions of years.

What is included with this specimen? This listing includes the 1.44g lunar meteorite slice, certificate of authenticity, specimen card with classification details, and display box for protection and presentation.

How do we know this came from the Moon? Lunar origin is confirmed through multiple analytical techniques: oxygen isotope ratios that match Apollo samples, mineral compositions consistent with lunar formation conditions, and the presence of diagnostic lunar minerals. The feldspathic composition, low iron content, and absence of water-bearing minerals all align with known lunar geology, providing definitive evidence of Moon origin.

Can feldspathic breccias tell us which part of the Moon they came from? Unlike mare basalts that have distinctive ages and compositions, feldspathic breccias sample the broadly similar highland crust and cannot be traced to specific impact craters or regions. However, their composition confirms they originate from the ancient anorthositic crust that dominates the lunar highlands, providing samples from regions potentially inaccessible to spacecraft missions.

Collector significance

Lunar meteorites remain among the most sought-after specimens in meteorite collecting, offering private ownership of material from another world. This complete slice format provides maximum display impact for the weight, showing the full cross-section of lunar highland material in a form suitable for close examination. At 1.44g, the specimen represents an accessible entry point into lunar meteorite collecting while maintaining scientific integrity and visual presence.

Feldspathic breccias specifically appeal to collectors interested in the Moon's early crustal evolution and impact history. The light coloration and fragmental texture provide immediate visual distinction from terrestrial rocks, while the complete slice format ensures the specimen displays effectively without requiring specialized mounting. For collectors building comprehensive Lunar Meteorites holdings, feldspathic breccias complement mare basalts and other lunar lithologies, representing the highland terrain that covers most of the Moon's surface.

Meteoritical Bulletin entry: Rabt Sbayta 007 | Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia) | Find, Western Sahara, 2017