Rabt Sbayta 007 Lunar Meteorite Slice, Feldspathic Breccia, 2.36g, Complete Cross-Section

Complete lunar slice preserving feldspathic highland material

This 2.36g complete slice of Rabt Sbayta 007 captures a cross-section of lunar highland crust ejected from the Moon's surface during an ancient impact. The feldspathic breccia composition reflects the Moon's anorthositic highlands, regions dominated by plagioclase feldspar that crystallized from the lunar magma ocean over 4 billion years ago. The slice displays the brecciated texture characteristic of lunar regolith materials that experienced multiple impact events before final ejection to Earth.

Rabt Sbayta 007 originates from a strewn field discovered in 2017 in Western Sahara. This specimen represents material from the Moon's ancient crust, offering direct access to lunar geology without the complexity of sample return missions. The complete slice format preserves the full thickness of the meteorite, showing the transition from interior structure to exterior surfaces shaped by atmospheric entry.

Brecciation and feldspathic composition

The slice exhibits a fragmental breccia texture composed predominantly of plagioclase feldspar clasts embedded in a fine-grained matrix. This composition matches the lunar highlands, which cover approximately 83% of the Moon's surface and represent the oldest preserved crustal material. Individual mineral fragments visible in the slice formed during the crystallization of the lunar magma ocean, then underwent repeated fracturing and lithification through impact gardening processes.

The feldspathic classification indicates a composition enriched in calcium-aluminum silicates relative to mare basalts. These minerals reflect the differentiation processes that separated light plagioclase from denser mafic minerals early in lunar history. The brecciated structure records the violent impact environment of the lunar surface, where meteoroid bombardment continuously pulverizes and remixes surface materials.

Lunar highlands and ancient impact processes

Feldspathic breccias like Rabt Sbayta 007 derive from the Moon's highlands, which formed during the solidification of the primordial lunar magma ocean between 4.5 and 4.4 billion years ago. As the magma ocean cooled, low-density plagioclase crystals floated to form a global anorthositic crust. This ancient crust preserves a record of conditions during the earliest phase of lunar evolution, before extensive mare volcanism resurfaced portions of the near side.

The specimen reached Earth following a high-velocity impact on the Moon that generated sufficient energy to accelerate fragments beyond lunar escape velocity of 2.38 km/s. Material excavated from depths of several meters to kilometers entered Earth-crossing orbits, eventually falling in the Western Sahara desert where arid conditions favored preservation. Learn About Meteorites to understand the mechanisms of planetary ejection and meteorite classification systems.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? Yes. Rabt Sbayta 007 is classified as Lunar (feldspathic breccia) in the Meteoritical Bulletin. You can verify the classification at Rabt Sbayta 007 MetBull entry. This specimen includes a certificate of authenticity documenting weight, classification, and provenance.

What does feldspathic breccia mean? Feldspathic indicates a composition dominated by plagioclase feldspar minerals, characteristic of lunar highland crust. Breccia describes a rock composed of angular fragments cemented together by impact processes. This classification distinguishes highland samples from mare basalts, which are iron- and magnesium-rich volcanic rocks.

What is included with this specimen? The 2.36g slice, certificate of authenticity, custom specimen card with classification details, and protective display box for secure storage and presentation.

How do we know this came from the Moon? Lunar meteorites are identified through oxygen isotope ratios, mineral chemistry, and bulk composition that match Apollo samples and lunar remote sensing data. Feldspathic breccias show characteristic anorthositic composition and trace element patterns that exclude terrestrial or asteroidal origins.

Can I display this specimen safely? Yes. Lunar meteorites are stable at standard temperature and humidity. The included display box protects the specimen from handling and dust accumulation while allowing clear viewing of surface features and internal structure.

Significance for lunar meteorite collectors

Lunar meteorites constitute less than 0.1% of all classified meteorite falls and finds worldwide. Rabt Sbayta 007 provides access to highland crust composition at a fraction of the cost and regulatory complexity of Apollo samples. The complete slice format demonstrates the full thickness and internal structure of the meteorite, from exterior surfaces to interior crystalline regions.

This 2.36g specimen offers an entry point for collectors building representative suites of planetary materials. The feldspathic composition complements mare basalt samples, together documenting the major lithological units of the lunar surface. The display-ready format and accompanying documentation support educational applications and long-term collection preservation. Explore additional specimens in our Lunar Meteorites collection.

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