Rabt Sbayta 007 Lunar Meteorite Slice, Feldspathic Breccia, 4.00g, Slice

Complete lunar highlands specimen from Earth's closest celestial neighbor

This 4.00g slice of Rabt Sbayta 007 preserves a cross-section of lunar feldspathic breccia, representing material from the Moon's ancient anorthositic highlands. The slice captures the brecciated texture characteristic of lunar regolith that has been repeatedly impact-processed over billions of years. Feldspathic breccias form when meteorite impacts on the lunar surface pulverize and compact older highland rocks, creating a mosaic of angular mineral fragments bound together in a fine-grained matrix.

Rabt Sbayta 007 was recovered in 2017 from Western Sahara as part of a small group of paired lunar finds. This complete slice offers collectors the full visual context of the meteorite's internal structure without the limitations of partial fragments or end cuts.

Brecciated lunar regolith structure

The feldspathic breccia classification indicates this specimen consists predominantly of plagioclase feldspar fragments derived from the Moon's primordial anorthositic crust. Under magnification, the slice reveals angular clasts of varying sizes embedded in a darker, fine-grained matrix. This texture records the violent history of the lunar surface, where impacts shatter bedrock and weld fragments together through shock compression and local melting.

The slice format preserves both faces of the meteorite, showing how brecciation extends throughout the specimen. Light-toned feldspar clasts contrast with darker shock-melt regions, creating the mottled appearance typical of feldspathic lunar breccias.

Scientific context

Feldspathic breccias originate from the Moon's highlands, which formed approximately 4.4 billion years ago when plagioclase feldspar crystallized and floated to the surface of the lunar magma ocean. Unlike the darker basaltic mare regions visible from Earth, the highlands represent the Moon's original crust. Impact gardening over billions of years has reworked this material repeatedly, creating the complex brecciated texture preserved in specimens like Rabt Sbayta 007.

Lunar meteorites reach Earth after large asteroid impacts excavate material from the Moon's surface with sufficient velocity to escape lunar gravity. These fragments orbit the Sun until gravitational interactions with Earth capture them. The Learn About Meteorites page provides additional context on how planetary materials travel through space to become meteorites in terrestrial collections.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? Yes. Rabt Sbayta 007 is classified in the Meteoritical Bulletin as a lunar feldspathic breccia. The complete MetBull entry can be accessed through the classification reference at the end of this listing. 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 derived from the lunar highlands crust. Breccia describes the fragmented, impact-welded texture where angular rock and mineral clasts are bound together in a matrix. This texture forms when meteorite impacts shatter and recompact surface materials.

What is included with this specimen? This listing includes the 4.00g complete lunar meteorite slice, a certificate of authenticity, a custom specimen card with classification details, and a display box for protection and presentation.

How rare are lunar meteorites? Lunar meteorites represent less than 1% of all classified meteorites. Only about 370 kilograms of lunar material has been recovered worldwide as meteorites, compared to thousands of tons of other meteorite types. Feldspathic breccias from the highlands are less common than basaltic lunar meteorites from the maria.

Can I see the lunar origin in this specimen? The brecciated texture and light-toned feldspar clasts are visible features consistent with lunar highland material. Laboratory analysis confirming the lunar origin examines oxygen isotope ratios, which match Apollo mission samples, and mineral chemistry that differs distinctly from terrestrial or other planetary rocks.

Collector significance

Lunar meteorites provide the only way for private collectors to own material from the Moon. While Apollo and Luna missions returned samples under government custody, meteorites like Rabt Sbayta 007 enter the commercial market through legitimate recovery and classification processes. The slice format offers display advantages over partial fragments, preserving both faces and the full internal structure of the specimen.

At 4.00g, this piece balances accessibility with scientific substance. The feldspathic breccia composition represents the Moon's primordial crust, offering different geological context than the basaltic mare meteorites that dominate some collections. For collectors building comprehensive Lunar Meteorites holdings, highland feldspathic specimens provide essential representation of the Moon's crustal diversity.

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