Moon Rock – feldspathic regolithic breccia Sahara Desert, North West Africa

Price Realised GBP 6,000

Estimate

GBP 3,000 - GBP 5,000

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A COMPLETE SLICE OF LUNAR METEORITE NWA 11407

Moon Rock – feldspathic regolithic breccia Sahara Desert, North West Africa

Price Realised GBP 6,000

Details Lot Essay Related Articles More from

The cut face of this triangular slice reveals a galaxy of inclusions and minerals in a fine grained matrix, the result of the ongoing bombardment of the Moon’s surface by meteorite impacts prior to the collision responsible for launching this rock to Earth.
3 x 3in. (8 x 8cm.)

17.4g

Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.

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This lot is offered by Christie Manson & Woods Ltd

Brought to you by

James Hyslop

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

jhyslop@christies.com +44 207 752 3205

Lot Essay

This slice is of a Moon rock that landed on Earth after ejection from the lunar surface following an asteroid impact. There are only 275 kilograms (600 pounds) of lunar meteorites known to exist—with a significant fraction held in institutional colections—and they would all fit in two large suitcases. Lunar meteorites are identified by specific mineralogical, chemical, textural and radiation signatures. The Moon is among the rarest substances on Earth. Many common minerals found on Earth’s surface are rare on the Moon and some lunar minerals are unknown on Earth. In addition, Moon rocks contain gases captured from the solar wind with isotope ratios that are very different from the same gases found on Earth. While Apollo astronauts returned with less than 400 kg of Moon rocks, not one milligram is available to collectors.