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

Price Realised GBP 23,750

Estimate

GBP 3,000 - GBP 5,000

Closed: 21 May 2020

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NWA 11407— COMPLETE LUNAR SPECIMEN WITH LARGE ANORTHITE CLAST

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

Price Realised GBP 23,750

Closed: 21 May 2020

Price Realised GBP 23,750

Closed: 21 May 2020

Details Lot Essay Related Articles More from

Sheathed in a desert patina from its residency in the Sahara, this ovaloid lunar sample is a combination of lunar materials that was fused together following repeated asteroid impacts on the Moon.
2 x 1½ x ½in. (4.8 x 2.9 x 1.2cm.)
18.7g

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

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 (0)20 7752 3205

Lot Essay

Moon rock that landed on Earth after ejection from the lunar surface following an asteroid impact. There are only 650 kilograms of lunar meteorites known to exist—with a significant fraction held in institutional colections. 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.