Adrar 013 Lunar Meteorite End Cut, Melt Breccia, 4.39g, Polished Interior with Natural Exterior
SKU: 43822523401

Adrar 013 Lunar Meteorite End Cut, Melt Breccia, 4.39g, Polished Interior with Natural Exterior

Sale price$138.28 Regular price$153.65
Save 10%

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 8 - Jul 13

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

Adrar 013 Lunar Meteorite End Cut, Melt Breccia, 4.39g, Polished Interior with Natural ExteriorComplete cross section from polished interior to weathered exterior This 4. 39g end cut of Adrar 013 preserves both a mirror polished interior face and unpolished natural exterior surfaces in a single complete slice. The polished face exposes the lunar melt breccia's internal structure: light toned anorthositic norite matrix interspersed with darker mafic mineral phases frozen from impact melt. The natural exterior faces retain the weathering patina

Complete cross-section from polished interior to weathered exterior

This 4.39g end cut of Adrar 013 preserves both a mirror-polished interior face and unpolished natural exterior surfaces in a single complete slice. The polished face exposes the lunar melt breccia's internal structure: light-toned anorthositic norite matrix interspersed with darker mafic mineral phases frozen from impact melt. The natural exterior faces retain the weathering patina acquired during terrestrial residence in Algeria following the meteorite's fall to Earth. End cuts function as complete cross-sectional specimens, presenting the full progression from exterior weathered surface through to interior mineralogy without requiring multiple pieces.

The specimen size provides sufficient surface area to observe melt breccia texture under magnification while remaining accessible for collectors building lunar collections. The polish quality eliminates optical interference, allowing direct observation of mineral boundaries, clast distribution patterns, and the contact between light feldspathic matrix and darker pyroxene-rich zones.

Impact melt texture and mineral composition

The polished face reveals the characteristic texture of lunar melt breccia: angular to sub-rounded mineral and lithic clasts suspended in a once-molten matrix that solidified rapidly under lunar vacuum conditions. Light-toned regions represent plagioclase feldspar-rich anorthositic material derived from the Moon's ancient highland crust. Darker phases correspond to pyroxene and other mafic minerals, indicating contribution from deeper crustal layers or mare basalt components excavated during impact.

The anorthositic norite to gabbro classification documents the mixed source lithologies melted and homogenized during the impact event. Norite contains orthopyroxene as the dominant mafic mineral, while gabbro contains clinopyroxene, and the gradation between these compositions reflects incomplete mixing in the impact melt sheet. The preserved textural heterogeneity visible in this specimen records the chaotic thermal and mechanical conditions during crater formation.

Scientific context

Lunar meteorites originate from impact events that accelerate surface material beyond the Moon's 2.4 km/s escape velocity. Once ejected into heliocentric orbit, these fragments travel through space until gravitational perturbations deliver them to Earth's surface. Adrar 013 was recovered in 2023 from Algeria, representing material excavated from the Moon's surface through meteoroid bombardment that has continued throughout the Moon's 4.5-billion-year history. Melt breccias like Adrar 013 specifically sample the products of large impact events energetic enough to generate substantial volumes of impact melt, distinguishing them from fragmental breccias formed through mechanical crushing alone. Study of lunar meteorites extends our understanding of lunar geology beyond the limited geographic sampling of the Apollo and Luna missions. Learn About Meteorites to understand how these specimens reach Earth and what they reveal about Solar System processes.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? Adrar 013 is officially classified in the Meteoritical Bulletin as a lunar melt breccia with anorthositic norite/gabbro composition. Meteoritical Bulletin entry: Adrar 013. Every specimen includes a certificate of authenticity documenting classification, weight, and origin.

What is a melt breccia? A melt breccia is a rock composed of mineral and lithic fragments (clasts) embedded in a matrix of impact-generated melt that solidified. Unlike fragmental breccias formed purely through mechanical crushing, melt breccias contain a significant component of once-molten material produced by the extreme temperatures of large impacts. The texture records the moment of solidification when the melt froze around suspended fragments.

What is included with this specimen? You receive the complete 4.39g Adrar 013 end cut with polished interior and natural exterior faces, plus a certificate of authenticity. No display stand is included.

Why does one side look different from the other? The polished face was cut and polished to reveal the meteorite's internal structure and mineralogy, while the natural exterior faces were left unpolished to preserve the original weathered surface as recovered from the Algerian desert. This dual presentation provides both scientific observation capability and preservation of natural features in one specimen.

How did Moon rocks reach Earth? Large meteoroid impacts on the lunar surface excavate material with enough velocity to escape the Moon's gravity. These ejected fragments orbit the Sun until gravitational interactions with Earth eventually cause them to fall as meteorites. The process requires excavation velocities exceeding 2.4 km/s, achieved only in substantial impact events.

Lunar collecting and display value

Lunar meteorites represent the only Moon material legally available for private ownership outside of government-controlled Apollo and Luna return samples. Adrar 013's classification as a melt breccia adds scientific interest through its documentation of large-scale impact melting processes. End cuts provide maximum information density by preserving both polished and natural surfaces, making them efficient specimens for collectors prioritizing completeness over individual surface types.

The 4.39g mass provides display presence while remaining accessible for collectors entering lunar meteorite acquisition. The clear textural differentiation visible between light feldspathic matrix and darker mafic phases makes this specimen effective for visual demonstration of lunar crustal composition. The preserved natural exterior complements the polished interior by showing the meteorite's appearance as recovered, adding context to the prepared surface. Explore additional specimens in our Lunar Meteorites collection to compare impact melt breccias with other lunar lithologies including regolith breccias, highland anorthosites, and mare basalts.

Meteoritical Bulletin entry: Adrar 013 | Classification: Lunar melt breccia (anorthositic norite/gabbro) | Find, Algeria, 2023

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 43822523401

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.8 ★★★★★
Based on 1395 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
A
Verified Purchase
Animal Guardian
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Luxury!
I bought for this for someone in a nursing home. She absolutely loves it!! It is so soft! I am surprised how well it has held up because the nursing home uses very harsh detergent when they wash. It is still a delightful blanket!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2025
J
Verified Purchase
Jack C.
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Buttery Soft, Lightweight, & Warm
You'll be hard pressed to find a more comfortable throw at a better price. I need to get to the couch quick, if I want dibs on this bad boy. My pups love it as well. Soft, light, and toasty warm. Pamper yourself.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2024
C
Verified Purchase
Cam G
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
So soft and snuggly!
I bought this throw in grey last week and I've only been able to use it once! Since my cats discovered how soft and snuggly it was, they've been laying on it! So, I just ordered another one for me, and this one I will not share!! And you certainly can't beat the price! Highly recommend!!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2023
K
Verified Purchase
Kris Ross
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 4
Good for the price
Love the feel of the blanket and the warmth. If you wash it regularly though, it will start to Matt a bit. Good price on it though
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2023
M
Verified Purchase
Marci
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
So soft!
I bought this for the chair in my back office where it is always cold. The throw size is perfect for my chair. I also bought a larger size for my couch. I LOVE these. They are warm, comforting, and the long fur is very soothing.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2023

recommand products