Lunar Meteorite: Northwest Africa 8046 clan

The Northwest Africa 8046 clan consists of NWA 8046, 10309, 10461, 10609, 10643, 10649, 10756, 10822, 10901, 11029, 11266, 11269, 11273, 11303, 11379, 11428, 11460, 11479, 11515, 12691, and 12760 - paired stones that are possibly-to-probably also paired with NWA 2425, 11331, 11407, 11421, 11444, 11517, 11532, 11695, 11787, 11789, 11898, 11966, 11968, 12630, 12695, 12966, 13101, 13120, 13390, 13426, 13739, 14340, and several other named and unnamed stones

Map of the vicinity of Tindouf, Algeria, at the junction of Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, and Western Sahara, where the NWA 8046 stones have been found. Image courtesy of Google Maps.

Two views of Northwest Africa 2425 (810 g). Photo credit: Nick Gessler
Northwest Africa 8046 (47 g). Photo credit: Mike Hankey
Two slices of NWA 8046. Photo credit: Mike Hankey
Slices of 4 of the Northwest Africa 10309 stones. Photo credit: Randy Korotev
Three views of the 2 stones of Northwest Africa 10461. Photo credit: Jean Redelsperger
Exterior and 3 slices of Northwest Africa 10609 (43 g). Photo credit: Gary Fujihara (Sorry about what I did to your photos, Gary.)
Two views of Northwest Africa 10643 (44 g). Photo credit: Jean Redelsperger
Two sides of a slice of Northwest Africa 10649 (41 g). Photo credit: Fabien Kuntz
Two sides of lab sample of Northwest Africa 10649. Thanks to Mendy Ouzillou for the sample. Photo credit: Randy Korotev
Two sides of a slice of Northwest Africa 10822. Photo credit: Matt Morgan
Two sides of a slice of Northwest Africa 10901 (68 g). The white clast is a ferroan anorthosite. Photo credit: Sean Tutorow
Northwest Africa 11029 in the field (75 g). Photo credit: Ben Hoefnagels
Outside and inside of one of the many pieces of Northwest Africa 11266. Photo credit: Heritage Auctions.
Slices from 4 small pieces of NWA 11266. Millimeter ticks for scale. Photo credit: Randy Korotev
Northwest Africa 11269 (220 g). Photo credit: Ken Regelman
Several small pieces on NWA 11273. Photo credit: Rob Wesel
One of many pieces of Northwest Africa 11273. Photo credit: Heritage Auctions
Two polished slices of a piece of Northwest Africa 11273. Photo credit: Dan M
One of many pieces of Northwest Africa 11303. Photo credit: Dustin Dickens
Two views of a piece of Northwest Africa 11303. Photo credit: Ben Sinclair
Polished slice of a piece of Northwest Africa 11303. Photo credit: Heritage Auctions
One of several pieces of Northwest Africa 11331. Photo credit: Pierre-Marie Pelé
A slice of Northwest Africa 11379 (151 g). Photo credit: Bob Falls
Three of the many pieces of Northwest Africa 11407 (left) and a sawn face (right). Photo credit: Stephan Decker
An 11-g stone of Northwest Africa 11421. Photo credit: Tomasz Jakubowski

Meteorite Picture of the Day: NWA 11421 thin sections | slice

Three of the ~200 pieces of Northwest Africa 11444 stones (6–9 grams each). Photo credit: Ben Sinclair
Exterior (top) and sawn face (bottom) and of a piece of Northwest Africa 11460. Photo credit: Randy Korotev
Northwest Africa 11479 (504 g; left, photo credit: Weibiao Hsu) and lab sample of NWA 11479 (right, photo credit: Randy Korotev)
Two sides of one of the four pieces of Northwest Africa 11517, about 5-cm wide. Photo credit: Anthony Love
Two side of a 33.6-g endcut of NWA 11898, a possible pair to NWA 8046. Photo credit: Spaceballs79
A 52-g slice of NWA 11898, a possible pair to NWA 8046. Photo credit: Spaceballs79
A 27-g piece of Northwest Africa 12691. Photo credit: Southebys
Inside and outside of Northwest Africa 12695. Photo credit: Christies
Two small chips of NWA 12966. Photo credit: ‎Pierre-Marie Pelé

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 107

Northwest Africa 2425 (NWA 2425)

(Northwest Africa)
Purchased: 2016
Mass: 810 g (1 piece)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

Physical characteristics: Weathered, red caliche stain, dull, no fusion crust, etched by ventifaction. Cut appearance: near-black matrix with gray clasts.

Petrography: (P. Warren, UCLA) The rock is a thoroughly polymict lunar highland breccia, mostly plagioclase, with clasts up to 10 mm but dominated by extremely fine-grained chaotic impact debris. A search for regolithic glass spheroids found only one, 0.2 mm, very round and undevitrified.

Geochemistry: Mineral compositions and geochemistry: Plagioclase: An95.9+/-1.3 (N=19). Low-Ca pyroxene: Fs33±8Wo4.3±0.9 (N=11), high-Ca pyroxene: Fs17±4Wo40±2 (N=7). Pyroxene FeO/MnO (wt.) averages 55±8 (N=24). Bulk composition results from INAA and fused-bead EPMA include Al2O3 = 27.1 wt%, Mg# = 73 mol%, Th = 0.13 ppm. The glass spheroid is similarly anorthositic (26 wt% Al2O3).

Classification: The meteorite is a lunar highland polymict breccia.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 103

Northwest Africa 8046 (NWA 8046)

(Northwest Africa)
Purchased: 2012 Dec
Mass: 47.3 g (1 piece)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased by Michael Hankey in December 2012 from a dealer in Zagora, Morocco.

Physical characteristics: A single 47.3 g stone lacking fusion crust with visible whitish clasts.

Petrography: (A. Irving and S. Kuehner, UWS) Breccia consisting of numerous mineral fragments in a finer-grained matrix. Minerals are anorthite, olivine, unexsolved pigeonite, subcalcic augite, exsolved pigeonite, fayalite, silica polymorph, ilmenite and rare kamacite.

Geochemistry: Olivine (Fa31.0-48.4, FeO/MnO = 80-97), low-Ca pyroxene (Fs58.9Wo4.7, FeO/MnO = 59), subcalcic augite (Fs11.3Wo26.9, FeO/MnO = 37), orthopyroxene host (Fs53.4Wo4.0, FeO/MnO = 53), clinopyroxene exsolution lamellae (Fs27.7Wo39.8, FeO/MnO = 52). Bulk composition (R. Korotev, WUSL): INAA of subsamples gave mean abundances (in wt.%) FeO 4.4, Na2O 0.32, and (in ppm) Sc 7.9, La 1.8, Sm 0.77, Eu 0.76, Yb 0.59, Th 0.2.

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic fragmental breccia).

Specimens: 10.1 g (including a polished end-cut specimen, a slice and a polished mount) are at UWB. The remainder is held by Mr. M. Hankey.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 104

Northwest Africa 10309 (NWA 10309)

(Northwestern Africa)
Purchased: 2015 August
Mass: 16,518 g (several pieces)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: A group of similar stones (total weight 16518 g, the largest weighing 6404 g) were found together at an undisclosed location in Mauritania, and were purchased by Darryl Pitt in August 2015 from a dealer in Mauritania.

Physical characteristics: All pieces lack fusion crust but the exteriors exhibit a thin desert patina. Interiors consist of angular white clasts (up to 1.5 cm across, some with minor red-brown staining) set within a fine grained, medium-gray matrix.

Petrography: (A. Irving and S. Kuehner, UWS) Breccia composed of angular mineral clasts of anorthite, pigeonite (some exsolved), orthopyroxene, subcalcic augite, olivine, chromite (both Ti-rich and Ti-poor varieties) in a finer grained, partly vesicular matrix containing kamacite, troilite and Ni-poor taenite.

Geochemistry: Olivine (Fa8.6-54.3, FeO/MnO = 82-96, N = 4), orthopyroxene (Fs18.7Wo2.8, FeO/MnO = 56), subcalcic augite (Fs18.1Wo31.8, FeO/MnO = 60), low-Ca pyroxene host (Fs50.4Wo6.1, FeO/MnO = 63), augite exsolution lamellae (Fs24.2Wo41.4, FeO/MnO = 50), plagioclase (An95.8-96.1Or0.2, N = 2).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic regolithic breccia).

Specimens: 22.16 g including one polished thin section at UWB; main mass with DPitt.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 105

Northwest Africa 10461 (NWA 10461)

(Northwest Africa)
Purchased: 2015 August
Mass: 285.75 g (2 pieces)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased by Jean Redelsperger from Aziz Habibi in Agadir, Morocco, August 2015. Reportedly found near the border with Mauritania.

Physical characteristics: Two identical appearing pieces 233.8 g and 51.95 g, with irregular exterior, no fusion crust. A saw cut reveals a polymict breccia with numerous fragmental light and dark clasts.

Petrography: (C. Agee, UNM) This breccia has numerous fragmental olivine, pyroxene, and plagioclase grains. There are also microgabbro clasts scattered throughout, as well as shock melt veins and pockets.

Geochemistry: (C. Agee and M. Spilde, UNM) Olivine Fa26.8±8.5, Fe/Mn=93±9, n=23; low-Ca pyroxene Fs31.9±9.5Wo4.6±2.8, Fe/Mn=58±6, n=16; augite Fs23.4±10.5Wo34.6±9.8, Fe/Mn=53±10, n=10; plagioclase An96.1±0.5, n=19; Shock melt (20 μm defocused electron beam, proxy for bulk meteorite composition): SiO2=43.3±0.4, TiO2=0.19±0.05, Al2O3=28.9±2.5, Cr2O3=0.10±0.03, MgO=6.5±2.5, FeO=4.3±1.3, MnO=0.06±0.02, CaO=16.1±1.4, NiO=0.01±0.01, Na2O=0.35±0.02, K2O=0.04±0.01 (all wt%), n=10.

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia)

Specimens: 20.11 g including a probe mount on deposit at UNM, Jean Redelsperger holds the main mass.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 105

Northwest Africa 10609 (NWA 10609)

(Northwest Africa)
Purchased: 2016
Mass: 43.02 g (1 piece)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased by Gary Fujihara from Morocco, 2016.

Physical characteristics: Single stone, weathered exterior without fusion crust. Cut and polished surface reveals numerous white feldspathic clasts set in a dark-gray groundmass. Some of the feldspathic clasts have a reddish tint.

Petrography: (C. Agee, UNM) Microprobe examination of a polished mount shows a fragmental breccia with numerous olivine, pigeonite, and augite grains set in a dominant feldspathic matrix. Lithic and melt clasts with vesicles were also observed.

Geochemistry: (C. Agee and S. Spilde, UNM) Olivine Fa38.9±14.5, Fe/Mn=94±8, n=11; pigeonite Fs39.4±7.5Wo9.2±6.1, Fe/Mn=61±4, n=8; augite Fs21.1±4.7Wo38.3±3.4, Fe/Mn=50±4, n=3; plagioclase An95.7±0.7, n=6.

Classification: Lunar feldspathic breccia.

Specimens: 8.66 g including a probe mount on deposit at UNM, Gary Fujihara holds the main mass.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 105

Northwest Africa 10643 (10643)

(Northwest Africa)
Purchased: 2016
Mass: 43.56 g (1 piece)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased from Jaouad Chaoui in Marrakesh, Morocco, December 2015; reportedly found in Mauritania.

Physical characteristics: Single stone, weathered exterior without fusion crust; broken surface reveals numerous white feldspathic clasts set in a dark-gray groundmass.

Petrography: (C. Agee, UNM) This is a highly feldspathic breccia with primarily magnesian olivine (Fa20) and pyroxene fragments scattered throughout. Minor amounts of more iron-rich olivine (Fa41) and pigeonite (Fs66Wo23) were detected. Vesicular shock melt veins and pockets are also present.

Geochemistry: (C. Agee and S. Spilde, UNM) Olivine Fa20.0±2.0, Fe/Mn=84±6, n=12; pigeonite Fs33.5±8.9Wo9.4±8.6, Fe/Mn=63±11, n=10; augite Fs22.9±2.3Wo40.1±0.8, Fe/Mn=58±5, n=2; plagioclase An97.0±0.5, n=5; Shock melt (20 μm defocused electron beam, proxy for bulk meteorite composition): SiO2=44.5±0.7, TiO2=0.15±0.07, Al2O3=30.7±2.7, Cr2O3=0.06±0.04, MgO=5.2±1.9, FeO=2.9±1.1, MnO=0.04±0.00, CaO=17.0±1.0, NiO=0.01±0.01, Na2O=0.37±0.02, K2O=0.03±0.01 (all wt%), n=3.

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia).

Specimens: 8.8 g including a probe mount on deposit at UNM; Jean Redelsperger holds the main mass.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 105

Northwest Africa 10649 (10649)

(Northwest Africa)
Purchased: 2015 December
Mass: 41.3 g (1 piece)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased by Fabien Kuntz in December 2015 from a dealer in Zagora, Morocco.

Physical characteristics: A single dark gray, uncrusted stone (41.3 g) with visible whitish clasts.

Petrography: (A. Irving and S. Kuehner, UWS) Fragmental breccia composed of mineral clasts of anorthite, olivine, pigeonite, diopside, exsolved pigeonite, troilite, kamacite, taenite, ilmenite, fayalite and chromite in a finer matrix of the same minerals.

Geochemistry: Olivine (Fa25.0-33.7; Fa82.9; FeO/MnO = 82-87, N = 3), pigeonite (Fs45.8Wo6.8, FeO/MnO = 58), diopside (Fs7.6Wo44.9, FeO/MnO = 24, Cr2O3 = 0.8 wt.%), orthopyroxene host (Fs42.4Wo3.8, FeO/MnO = 50), clinopyroxene lamella (Fs19.4Wo40.9, FeO/MnO = 39), plagioclase (An96.3-96.5Or0.1, N = 2).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia.)

Specimens: A 8.53 g polished endcut piece is at PSF; remainder with Kuntz.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 105

Northwest Africa 10756 (10756)

(Northwestern Africa)
Purchase: 2015 September
Mass: 125 g (1 piece)

Lunar meteorite

History: Purchased by Eric Twelker in September 2015 from a Moroccan dealer at the Denver Show.

Physical characteristics: A single stone (125 g) lacking fusion crust and consisting of beige, white and red-brown stained clasts in a dark-gray matrix.

Petrography: (A. Irving and S. Kuehner, UWS) Breccia composed of shocked gabbroic clasts and related crystalline debris, plus sparse devitrified glass clasts in a finer matrix containing vesicular glass. Minerals are olivine, pigeonite, exsolved pigeonite, augite, anorthite, Ti-poor chromite, Ti-rich chromite and ilmenite. Minor secondary calcite veinlets and barite are present.

Geochemistry: Olivine (Fa19.1-41.9, FeO/MnO = 69-78, N = 4), pigeonite (Fs41.0Wo5.2, FeO/MnO = 51), augite (Fs9.8Wo­42.8, FeO/MnO = 36), low-Ca pyroxene host (Fs56.7Wo5.6, FeO/MnO = 56), clinopyroxene exsolution lamella (Fs30.2Wo39.1, FeO/MnO = 52), anorthite (An96.8Or0.2).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia).

Specimens: 20.5 g including one polished thin section at UWB; remainder with Twelker.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 105

Northwest Africa 10822 (NWA 10822)

(Northwestern Africa)
Purchase: 2016 September
Mass: 56 g (1 piece)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Reportedly found in 2015, purchased by Matt Morgan and Lee Morgan in Morocco on June 26, 2016.

Physical characteristics: Single stone; saw cuts reveal a feldspathic breccia with numerous white feldspar clasts (1-4 mm) set in a dark-gray matrix. There are also scattered orange-brown clasts up to ~4 mm that consist primarily of pyroxene.

Petrography: (C. Agee, UNM) This meteorite is mixture of a fine-grained domains, large fragmental plagioclase crystals, and shock melt veins; some of the veins have ~100 μm-size vesicles. There are orange-brown domains consisting of pigeonite grains with augite exsolution lamellae and interstitial plagioclase or melt veins.

Geochemistry: (C. Agee and M.Spilde, UNM) olivine Fa32.7±9.0, Fe/Mn=97±4, n=11; pigeonite Fs40.7±4.8Wo8.2±3.5, Fe/Mn=59±6, n=5; augite Fs24.9±14.2Wo37.6±4.7, Fe/Mn=53±10, n=5; orange-brown pyroxene: pigeonite Fs36.4±1.6Wo5.2±3.0, Fe/Mn=61±6, n=4; augite Fs18.3±0.3Wo39.4±0.3, Fe/Mn=54±9, n=2; plagioclase An96.4±0.7Ab3.5±0.7Or0.1±0.1, n=6.

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia).

Specimens: 11.7 g including a probe mount on deposit at UNM, MtMorgan and Lee Morgan hold the main mass.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 105

Northwest Africa 10901 (NWA 10901)

(Northwest Africa)
Purchased: 2015
Mass: 68.04 g (1 piece)

Lunar meteorite

History: Purchased in 2015 by Brahim Tahiri in Morocco and sent to his partner Sean Tutorow for analysis.

Physical characteristics: Single stone, irregular exterior, no fusion crust. A saw cut reveals light-gray feldspathic clasts (up to 2 cm) and some smaller fragmental white plagioclase grains set in a dark-gray groundmass.

Petrography: (C. Agee, UNM) This is a polymict feldspathic breccia showing several different textural domains: 1) large (centimeter-sized) poikilitic plagioclase with olivine and pyroxene inclusions, 2) zones of fragmental plagioclase, olivine, and pyroxene, 3) cataclastic zones of fine-grained silicates, 4) vesicular shock melt veins and pockets. Iron metal detected, the largest grain observed was ~150 μm in diameter.

Geochemistry: (C. Agee and S. Spilde, UNM) Olivine Fa42.0±13.4, Fe/Mn=98±7, n=6; pigeonite Fs54.7±9.1Wo7.0±2.3, Fe/Mn=63±3, n=5; augite Fs28.7Wo40.3, Fe/Mn=56, n=1; plagioclase An96.6±0.4, n=4; Shock melt (proxy for bulk meteorite composition): SiO2=44.7, TiO2=0.37, Al2O3=24.1, Cr2O3=0.16, MgO=7.2, FeO=7.2, MnO=0.10, CaO=14.7, NiO=b.d.l., Na2O=0.31, K2O=0.02 (all wt%), n=1.

Classification: Lunar meteorite. Intermediate breccia based on FeO and Al2O3 content.

Specimens: 13.76 g including a probe mount on deposit at UNM, Sean Tutorow holds the main mass.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 106

Northwest Africa 11029 (11029)

(Northwest Africa)
Purchased: 2016 June
Mass: 75 g (1 piece)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased by Ben Hoefnagels in June 2016 from a dealer in Taliouine, Morocco.

Physical characteristics: A single stone (75 g) lacking fusion crust and exhibiting whitish to beige clasts in a medium-gray matrix.

Petrography: (A. Irving and S. Kuehner, UWS) Breccia composed of angular clasts of anorthite, olivine, pigeonite, subcalcic augite, augite, silica polymorph and ilmenite in a finer, fragmental matrix of the same minerals plus minor kamacite and barite.

Geochemistry: Olivine (Fa19.8-50.6, FeO/MnO = 68-83, N = 3), pigeonite (Fs24.9-39.8Wo8.4-9.6, FeO/MnO = 48-54), subcalcic augite (Fs27.6Wo29.0, FeO/MnO = 53), augite (Fs7.8Wo43.4, FeO/MnO = 30), plagioclase (An96.1-96.3Or0.1, N = 2).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia).

Specimens: 15.1 g including a polished endcut at UWB; remainder with Mr. B. Hoefnagels.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 106

Northwest Africa 11266 (NWA 11266)

(Northwestern Africa)
Purchased: 2017 April
Mass: 1017 g (many pieces)

Lunar Meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Material excavated from a site near Tindouf, Algeria was purchased by John Higgins in April 2017 from a Moroccan dealer.

Petrography: (A. Irving and S. Kuehner, UWS) Breccia composed of mineral clasts of anorthite, olivine, exsolved pigeonite, orthopyroxene, augite, fayalite, Ti-chromite, kamacite, taenite and troilite in a finer grained matrix containing small vesicles.

Geochemistry: Olivine (Fa20.8-54.4, FeO/MnO = 87-105, N = 3), orthopyroxene (Fs17.0Wo2.9, FeO/MnO = 53), orthopyroxene host (Fs37.9Wo4.8, FeO/MnO = 55), clinopyroxene exsolution lamella (Fs16.9Wo41.9, FeO/MnO = 41), augite (Fs8.6Wo­43.1, FeO/MnO = 41), plagioclase (An96.4-96.9Or0.1-0.2, N = 2).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic regolith breccia).

Specimens: 21 g including one polished endcut at UWB; remainder with Mr. J. Higgins.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 106

Northwest Africa 11269 (NWA 11269)

(Northwestern Africa)
Purchased: 2017 April
Mass: 220 g (1 piece)

Lunar Meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: A stone excavated from a site near Tindouf, Algeria was purchased by Ken Regelman in April 2017 from a Moroccan dealer.

Petrography: (A. Irving and S. Kuehner, UWS) Breccia composed of mineral clasts of anorthite, olivine, exsolved pigeonite, pigeonite, augite, Ti-chromite, ilmenite, Cr-Al-Ti-Fe spinel, kamacite and troilite in a finer grained matrix containing small vesicles.

Geochemistry: Olivine (Fa7.9-48.4, FeO/MnO = 94-98, N = 4), orthopyroxene (Fs19.2-31.3Wo2.5-4.1, FeO/MnO = 61-63, N = 2), augite (Fs7.2-17.8Wo44.3-40.7, FeO/MnO = 38-43, N = 2), plagioclase (An96.3-97.3Or0.1-0.2, N = 2).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic regolith breccia).

Specimens: 20.05 g including one polished endcut at UWB; remainder with Mr. K. Regelman.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 106

Northwest Africa 11273 (NWA 11273)

(Northwestern Africa)
Purchased: 2017 April
Mass: 2808 g (many pieces)

Lunar Meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Material excavated from a site near Tindouf, Algeria was purchased by a consortium of collectors (Rob Wesel, Eric Twelker and Jason Phillips) in April 2017 from Moroccan dealers.

Petrography: (A. Irving and S. Kuehner, UWS) Breccia composed of mineral clasts of anorthite, olivine, exsolved pigeonite, pigeonite, augite, chromite, Ti-Cr-Fe spinel, kamacite, taenite and troilite in a finer grained matrix containing small vesicles and minor barite. Rare basalt clasts and glass fragments are also present.

Geochemistry: Olivine (Fa8.7-59.7, FeO/MnO = 89-111, N = 4), pigeonite (Fs28.8Wo11.2, FeO/MnO = 56), clinopyroxene host (Fs15.3Wo40.9, FeO/MnO = 44), orthopyroxene exsolution lamella (Fs34.0Wo2.7, FeO/MnO = 56), augite (Fs16.8Wo41.7, FeO/MnO = 62), plagioclase (An95.9-96.5Or0.2, N = 2)).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic regolith breccia).

Specimens: 37 g including one polished slice at UWB; remaining pieces shared by Mr. R. Wesel, Mr. E. Twelker and Mr. J. Phillips.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 107

Northwest Africa 11303 (NWA 11303)

(Northwestern Africa)
Purchased: 2017 March
Mass: 6000 g (several pieces)

Lunar Meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Material excavated from a site near Tindouf, Algeria, was purchased by Dustin Dickens in March 2017 from a Mauritanian dealer. The coordinates of the site are unknown.

Physical characteristics: Many small fragments coated by pale reddish-brown terrestrial weathering products. The fresh interiors of the largest fragments exhibit white to beige clasts in a dark gray, fine-grained matrix.

Petrography: (A. Irving and S. Kuehner, UWS) Breccia composed of angular mineral grains of anorthite, olivine, orthopyroxene, exsolved pigeonite, ferroan pigeonite, augite, ilmenite, Ti-chromite and fayalite in a partly vesicular matrix containing minor kamacite and barite.

Geochemistry: Olivine (Fa26.7-47.2, FeO/MnO = 75-81, N = 2), orthopyroxene (Fs24.1Wo3.6, FeO/MnO = 67), orthopyroxene host (Fs47.1Wo3.3, FeO/MnO = 68), ferroan pigeonite (Fs52.4Wo18.8, FeO/MnO = 67), augite (Fs8.0Wo44.3, FeO/MnO = 35), plagioclase (An96.7-97.4Or0.2-0.1, N = 2).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic regolith breccia).

Specimens: 20.0 g including one polished endcut at UWB; remainder with Mr. D. Dickens.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 106

Northwest Africa 11331 (NWA 11331)

(Northwestern Africa)
Purchased: 2017 April
Mass: 318 g (several pieces)

Lunar Meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Material excavated from a site near Tindouf, Algeria was purchased by Pierre-Marie Pelé in April 2017 from a dealer in Rissani, Morocco.

Physical characteristics: The stones (total weight 318 g) have distinctive reddish-brown, clay-rich exterior coatings. Fresh interiors exhibit whitish clasts in a dark-gray matrix.

Petrography: (A. Irving and S. Kuehner, UWS) Breccia composed of angular mineral clasts of olivine, anorthite, exsolved pigeonite, orthopyroxene, unexsolved pigeonite, augite, chromite and ilmenite, plus sparse glass fragments, in a finer grained partly vesicular matrix.

Geochemistry: Olivine (Fa20.1-53.8, FeO/MnO = 94-109, N = 3), orthopyroxene (Fs30.6Wo3.4, FeO/MnO = 54), low-Ca pyroxene host in exsolved pigeonite (Fs41.6Wo5.5, FeO/MnO = 57), pigeonite (Fs25.4Wo9.8, FeO/MnO = 54), augite (Fs10.0Wo42.9, FeO/MnO = 40), plagioclase (An96.4-96.7Or0.2, N = 2).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic regolith breccia).

Specimens: 20.07 g in the form of a polished endcut at PSF; remainder with P. Pelé.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 106

Northwest Africa 11379 (NWA 11379)

(Northwestern Africa)
Found: 2017
Mass: 150.87 g (1 piece)

Lunar Meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased by Bob Falls in May 2017 from a dealer in Zagora, Morocco.

Physical characteristics: This fresh stone (150.87 g) lacks fusion crust and consists of angular white to beige clasts in a dark-gray matrix.

Petrography: (A. Irving and S. Kuehner, UWS) Breccia consisting of mineral clasts of anorthite, olivine, orthopyroxene, pigeonite, exsolved pigeonite, augite, ilmenite, chromite, plus some polymineralic lithic clasts, within a fine grained, partly vesicular matrix of the same minerals with minor kamacite, taenite, troilite, pentlandite, calcite and barite.

Geochemistry: Olivine (Fa5.6-54.0, FeO/MnO = 77-109, N = 3), orthopyroxene (Fs24.4-46.0Wo4.6-3.4, FeO/MnO = 56-67, N = 3), pigeonite (Fs49.5Wo19.7, FeO/MnO = 58), augite (Fs22.2Wo40.7, FeO/MnO = 64), plagioclase (An92.7-97.8Or0.5-0.2, N = 2).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia).

Specimens: 20.2 g in the form of a polished slice at UWB; remainder with Mr. R. Falls.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 106

Northwest Africa 11407 (NWA 11407)

Algeria
Purchase: 2017
Mass: 700 g (several pieces)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Some pieces totaling 700 g were found in Algeria. 207 g were purchased by Decker Meteorite-Museum in 2017 from a Moroccan dealer.

Petrography (A.-K. Kraemer and A. Bischoff, IfP) Breccia composed of angular anorthite-rich lithic and mineral fragments embedded in a fine-grained clastic matrix. The sample also contains shock-melted areas. Observed minerals include anorthite, olivine, low-Ca pyroxene, Ca-rich pyroxene, silica polymorph, Al-Ti-chromite, kamacite, ilmenite, troilite, and pendlandite. Some Ba-sulfates indicate terrestrial alteration.

Geochemistry: Mineral compositions and geochemistry: Olivine (mean: Fa28.8, Fe/Mn = 93; N = 49), low-Ca pyroxene (mean Fs25.8Wo7.6, Fe/Mn = 59, N = 30), Ca-rich pyroxene (mean: Fs17.0Wo39.4; Fe/Mn = 58; N = 12), anorthite (mean An96.0Or0.1, N = 25).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia).

Specimens: 20.7 g including one polished thin section, IfP; 207 g with Decker Meteorite-Museum.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 106

Northwest Africa 11421 (NWA 11421)

(Northwestern Africa)
Purchase: 2017
Mass: 912 g (many pieces)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: The meteorite was bought in 2017 from a meteorite dealer in Erfoud, Morocco.

Physical characteristics: Many small grayish individuals lacking any fusion crust. White to beige clasts in greyish matrix are visible at the surface.

Petrography (A. Greshake, MNB) The meteorite is a breccia composed of angular to subrounded whitish clasts up to 1 cm in size set into a greyish vitreous groundmass. Mineral fragments are also present in the matrix. Dominant mineral phases are low-Ca pyroxene, Ca- pyroxene, olivine and calcic plagioclase. Minor phases include chromite, ilmenite, fayalite, pyrrhotite, FeNi metal, and barite. Contains some melt regions displaying quenching textures of dendritic pyroxene and plagioclase.

Geochemistry: olivine: Fa30.1±10.4 (Fa18.4-52, n=16, FeO/MnO=79-112); low-Ca pyroxene: Fs33.3±2.8Wo2.5±1.0 (Fs30.4-36.4Wo1.4-3.8, n=10, FeO/MnO=55-64); Ca-pyroxene: Fs16.1±4.0Wo40.0±4.2 (Fs8.9-23.2Wo31.3-45.1, n=14, FeO/MnO=36-64); calcic plagioclase: An96.4±0.8 (An95.4-98.0, n=16).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia).

Specimens: 21.4 g MNB. Main mass: Tomasz Jakubowski and Marcin Cimala.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 106

Northwest Africa 11428 (NWA 11428)

(Northwestern Africa)
Purchased: August 2017
Mass: 783.39 g (several pieces)

Lunar Meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased by Bob Falls in July 2017 from dealer in Zagora, Morocco.

Physical characteristics: The stones lack fusion crust but are thinly coated by reddish-brown weathering products. The fresh interiors exhibit white to beige, angular clasts in a medium gray matrix.

Petrography: (A. Irving and S. Kuehner, UWS) Breccia composed of angular mineral clasts of anorthite, exsolved pigeonite, olivine, ilmenite, Ti-chromite, troilite and kamacite in a finer matrix containing sporadic small vesicles.

Geochemistry: Olivine (Fa18.8-56.2, FeO/MnO = 87-96, N = 3), pigeonite (Fs37.8Wo7.6, FeO/MnO = 54), augite (Fs7.5Wo44.2, FeO/MnO = 29), augite host (Fs24.2Wo40.7, FeO/MnO = 66), low-Ca pyroxene exsolution lamella (Fs51.0Wo­, FeO/MnO = 65), plagioclase (An97.1-97.2Or0.2, N = 2).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia).

Specimens: 20.71 g including one polished endcut at UWB; remainder with Mr. B. Falls.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 106

Northwest Africa 11444 (NWA 11444)

Mauritania
Find: 2017
Mass: 1323 g (about 200 pieces)

Lunar, melt breccia

History: Sample was collected at an unknown locality, with hearsay evidence suggesting that this was somewhere in Mauritania. The sample material was purchased by Graham Ensor from Ali El Wali. A large number of fragments collected in the same area. Some fragments were found on the surface, which have a dark, pitted surface colouration due to desert weathering. Other pieces were recovered from within the soil layer and are lighter in color with patches of reddish soil and relatively unpitted.

Physical characteristics: The sample comprises approximately 200 pieces, with a total mass of 1323 g. Some of these pieces have a dark appearance, possibly the result of wind abrasion. Fragments with a lighter-colored outer surface are also present and these often have variable amounts of adhering sand. It is presumed that these were at least partially buried at the time of recovery. In hand specimen, all the pieces display prominent angular to sub-rounded, feldspar-rich, clasts, up to 1.5 cm in diameter, enclosed in a dark matrix, laden with smaller, angular fragments.

Petrography: (R. Greenwood, OU): The sample is a complex breccia, containing a wide variety of fragments and variable amounts of flow-banded glass. Fragments are generally angular and include coarse-grained to aphanitic gabbros and basalts and a wide range of single-crystal types. There are many examples of clasts consisting of brown, devitrified basaltic glass with acicular plagioclase microlites. Angular, crystal fragments can be up to 0.5 mm in diameter and consist predominantly of plagioclase, pyroxene (often displaying well-developed exsolution lamellae), and olivine. Both high and low Ca pyroxenes are present in the gabbroic clasts, with both often showing prominent exsolution lamellae. The specimen contains a few percent of anhedral Fe,Ni metal grains (kamacite), up to 150 μm in diameter. The glass is often highly vesicular, flow-banded and contains a diverse range of crystals and lithic fragments.

Geochemistry: Mineral compositions and geochemistry: Pyroxenes show wide compositional variation, with both high and low Ca varieties present. Average composition: Fs35.1±11.4Wo16.1±14.2 (N=15, range Fs30Wo­ to Fs18Wo42). Olivine, average composition: Fa37.1±16.9 (N = 21, range Fa7-67). Well-developed exsolution lamallae are commonly present. Plagioclase shows limited compositional variation: An96.5±0.5 (N=11). Fe, Ni Metal grains (up to 150 microns in diameter) are kamacite (7 to 8 wt.% Ni) (N = 6). All mineral compositions determined by EDS analysis. Oxygen isotopes: δ17O 3.28 per mil; δ18O 6.28 per mil; Δ17O 0.01 per mil (using standard formula: Δ17O = δ17O – 0.52 δ18O) (Analysis is consistent with the oxygen isotopic composition of other lunar meteorites).

Classification: Lunar, melt breccia. Moderate weathering.

Specimens: 44.82 g at OU; main mass with Graham Ensor.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 106

Northwest Africa 11460 (NWA 11460)

(northwestern Africa)
Purchased: 2017
Mass: 286 g (several pieces)

Lunar meteorite

History: The meteorite was bought from a Moroccan meteorite dealer at the meteorite fair in Ensisheim, France.

Physical characteristics: Several small, grayish individuals without fusion crust but adhering reddish Sahara sand.

Petrography: (A. Greshake, MNB): The meteorite is a polymict breccia composed of lithic and mineral clasts consolidated in a mostly molten and recrystallized matrix. The up to 1 cm sized lithic clasts are dominantly basaltic and gabbroic, mineral clasts include up to 200 μm sized olivine, exsolved pyroxene, and feldspar grains. Accessories are Ti-chromite, ilmenite, FeNi metal, fayalite, and barite.

Geochemistry: olivine: Fa31.6±9.7 (Fa17.9-55.7, n=26, FeO/MnO=66-112); low-Ca pyroxene: Fs29.2±11.7Wo4.0±1.1 (Fs14.1-50.8Wo2.8-6.5, n=14, FeO/MnO=47-65); Ca-pyroxene: Fs25.1±9.6Wo34.1±7.4 (Fs12.7-44.4Wo23.1-42.6, n=17, FeO/MnO=34-67); calcic plagioclase: An96.7±0.8 (An94.6-97.8, n=15)

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia)

Specimens: 21 g at MNB; main mass with Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 106

Northwest Africa 11479 (NWA 11479)

Morocco
Purchased: 2017 September
Mass: 504 g (1 piece)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased by Ke Zuokai in Sept. 2017 from a Moroccan dealer.

Physical characteristics: The meteorite has no fusion crust with an irregular shape. Small white clasts are visible.

Petrography: (W. Hsu, PMO) Lithic clasts and mineral fragments (10 to 500 μm) are set in a fine-grained anorthositic matrix. Mineral fragments are dominated by anorthite and pyroxene grains with minor olivine. Some pyroxene grains exhibit exsolved lamella structures. Maskelynite is present. Other accessory minerals include taenite, chromite, ilmenite and troilite.

Geochemistry: Plagioclase An94.1-97.9Or0.0-0.7, (average: An96.9±1.1Or0.2±0.2, n=13); Olivine Fa17.8-44.9, Fe/Mn (cation ratio) = 77.7 – 124.7, (average = 99.2±15.3, n=13 ); pigeonite Fs29.8-59.4En35.0-52.5Wo5.6-21.5, Fe/Mn (cation ratio) =57.4-74.4 (average=64.7±5.7, n=8); augite Fs7.4-27.6En29.1-49.1Wo38.4-43.5, Fe/Mn (cation ratio) =37.3-75.1 (average=58.4±12.1, n=10); minor orthopyroxene Fs36.3En61.0Wo2.7, Fe/Mn (cation ratio)=54.7, n=1.

Classification: Lunar feldspathic breccia based on texture and composition.

Specimens: 20 g on deposit at PMO. Ke Zuokai holds the main mass.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 106

Northwest Africa 11515 (NWA 11515)

(northwestern Africa)
Purchased: 2017
Mass: 330 g (many pieces)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: The fragments were bought from a local meteorite dealer in Morocco.

Physical characteristics: Several greyish fragments lacking any fusion crust and partly covered by reddish Sahara sand.

Petrography: (A. Greshake, MNB): Feldspathic breccia consisting of lithic and mineral clasts set into a partly glassy or recrystallized matrix often showing flow structures. Lithic clasts include up to 1.2 mm sized angular to subrounded basaltic, noritic, and gabbroic types; mineral clasts are feldspar, olivine, and exsolved pyroxenes. Minor phases are Ti-chromite, ilmenite, troilite, FeNi metal, metallic iron and fayalite. Some cracks are filled with calcite due to terrestrial weathering.

Geochemistry: olivine: Fa33.6±12.5 (Fa19.2-54.1, n=16, FeO/MnO=72-119); low-Ca pyroxene: Fs43.3±4.8Wo4.5±1.3 (Fs31.2-48.8Wo3.0-7.7, n=17, FeO/MnO=53-67); Ca-pyroxene: Fs24.4±3.1Wo31.9±9.3 (Fs12.7-44.4Wo20.3-27.5, n=10, FeO/MnO=52-76); calcic plagioclase: An96.2±1.1 (An92.8-97.5, n=15).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia)

Specimens: 20 g at MNB. Main mass with Martin Goff.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 107

Northwest Africa 11517 (NWA 11517)

(northwestern Africa)
Purchased: 2017
Mass: 88 g (4 pieces)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Four individuals weighing a total of 88 g were found near Tindouf, Algeria. John Sinclair purchased the stones from a Moroccan meteorite hunter at the Sainte Marie Aux Mines mineral show in France during June of 2017.

Physical characteristics: Sample is irregular-ovoid shaped and lacks fusion crust. The exterior surface is weathered and light orangish-gray in color. The stone shows brecciated texture composed of dominant light-colored clasts in a dark grey matrix. FeNi grains are present in several slices. Pits from weathering of clasts and vesicles contain orange caliche.

Petrography: Description and classification (A. Love, App) Sample is a polymict breccia composed of 0.5-3 mm irregularly shaped lithic and mineral clasts set within a micro-vesiclar, melt matrix. Clasts are composed of poikilitic gabbro, vitrophyric, anorthosite, crystalline impact melt, and basaltic lithologies. Minerals clasts include olivine, exsolved Ca-rich and Ca-poor pyroxene, baddeleyite, ulvospinel, ilmenite, chromite, FeS, kamacite, taenite, Si-polymorph.

Geochemistry: (A. Love, App) Olivine (Fa18.65-53.01, FeO/MnO=83.29-109.49, N=12), Opx (Fs16.43-42.54 Wo2.92-4.47, FeO/MnO=53.16-60.73, N=5), pigeonite (Fs40.64-67.00 Wo5.14-11.16, FeO/MnO=54.93-67.00, N=8); augite (Fs17.44-36.61 Wo19.71-43.48, N=8); pyroxeferroite Fs70.28 Wo5.8, FeO/MnO=60.5, N=1); plagioclase An95.55-98.72 Or0.00-0.27, N=15).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia). Textures and mineral compositions indicate this sample is a feldspathic breccia. FeO/MnO ratios from olivine and pyroxene and An-content of plagioclase suggest this sample is a lunar feldspathic breccia.

Specimens: J. Sinclair holds the main masses. An individual and a slice weighing 17.6 g and one polished thin section are on deposit at App.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 106

Northwest Africa 11532 (NWA 11532)

Algeria
Purchased: 2017
Mass: 70 g (several pieces)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Several small pieces totaling 70 g were found in Algeria. They were purchased by Decker Meteorite-Museum in 2017 from a Moroccan dealer.

Petrography: (A.-K. Kraemer and A. Bischoff, IfP) Breccia composed of small angular anorthite-rich lithic and mineral fragments embedded in a fine-grained clastic matrix. The sample also contains abundant impact melt clasts and some areas with maskelynite. Observed minerals include anorthite, olivine, low-Ca pyroxene, Ca-rich pyroxene, silica polymorph, Al-Ti-Cr-spinel, kamacite, ilmenite, and troilite.

Geochemistry: Mineral composition and geochemistry: (A.-K. Kraemer and A. Bischoff, IfP) Olivine (mean: Fa36.1, range: Fa8.4-99.8, Fe/Mn = 87; N = 20), low-Ca pyroxene (mean Fs31.4Wo10.8, range: Fs20.6-64.3Wo2-24, Fe/Mn = 57, N = 18), Ca-rich pyroxene (mean: Fs38.2Wo41.2; Fe/Mn = 69; N = 6), anorthite (mean: An95.4Or0.2, N = 20).

Specimens: 15.8 g at IfP, Main mass at Decker Meteorite-Museum.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 107

Northwest Africa 11695 (NWA 11695)

(northwestern Africa)
Purchased: 2017
Mass: 350 g (many pieces)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased from a Moroccan meteorite dealer in 2017. Reportedly found by nomads in Algeria, March 2017.

Physical characteristics: Many identical appearing pieces. Weathered exterior, no fusion crust, saw cut reveals a fragmental breccia with numerous white feldspathic clasts set in a dark-gray ground mass.

Petrography: (C. Agee, UNM) Microprobe examination of a polished mount shows primarily feldspathic clasts and shock melt with lesser amounts of fragmental pyroxene and olivine. Z. Kerensky made 6 thin sections and also identified minor amounts of troilite and Fe-metal.

Geochemistry: (C. Agee, UNM) Olivine Fa35.7±10.2, Mn/Fe=90±8, n=15; pigeonite Fs30.0±6.8Wo10.1±7.6, Mn/Fe=56±6, n=9; augite Fs26.7±15.3Wo37.0±7.7, Mn/Fe=54±11, n=7; plagioclase An96.5±0.5, n=7; Shock melt (20 μm defocused electron beam, proxy for bulk meteorite composition): SiO2=43.5±0.1, TiO2=0.19±0.01, Al2O3=28.9±0.1, Cr2O3=0.11±0.01, MgO=6.2±0.0, FeO=4.1±0.1, MnO=0.06±0.00, CaO=16.0±0.1, Na2O=0.34±0.01, K2O=0.02±0.00, n=3 (all wt%).

Classification: Lunar, feldspathic breccia.

Specimens: 20.85 g on deposit at CSFK, probe mount at UNM, Zsolt Kereszty holds the main mass.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 107

Northwest Africa 11787 (NWA 11787)

Mauritania
Purchased: 2017
Mass: 23.5 kg (many pieces)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased in Mauritania by Dustin Dickens from anonymous meteorite hunter.

Physical characteristics: Many visually identical appearing pieces, ranging from several kilograms to sub-gram fragments. Some pieces show a light-gray, remnant fusion crust on one or more faces, with most having no fusion crust. Saw cut reveals a fragmental breccia with white feldspathic clasts set in a dark-gray ground mass.

Petrography: (C. Agee, UNM) Many visually identical appearing pieces, ranging from several kilograms to sub-gram fragments. Some pieces show a light-gray, remnant fusion crust on one or more faces, with most having no fusion crust. Saw cut reveals a fragmental breccia with white feldspathic clasts set in a dark-gray ground mass.

Petrography: (C. Agee, UNM) his meteorite is a polymict breccia of fragmental feldspathic, troctolitic and mafic lithologies, as well as fragmental pyroxene, olivine, plagioclase grains, and shock melt with vesicles.

Geochemistry: (C. Agee, UNM) olivine Fa: 25.6±8.9, Fe/Mn=95±18, n=13; low-Ca pyroxene Fs26.2±8.8Wo6.2±2.5, Fe/Mn=52±4, n=7; subcalcic augite Fs35.9±5.8Wo26.9±7.9, Fe/Mn=69±5, n=2; augite Fs14.5±7.1Wo41.0±2.0, Fe/Mn=45±15, n=3; plagioclase An96.2±0.8, n=6; Shock melt (20 μm defocused electron beam, proxy for bulk meteorite composition): SiO2=42.9±0.4, TiO2=0.11±0.05, Al2O3=31.1±4.0, Cr2O3=0.10±0.05, MgO=5.1±3.3, FeO=3.3±2.0, MnO=0.05±0.05, CaO=16.6±1.6, Na2O=0.37±0.06, K2O=0.04±0.00 (all wt%), n=3.

Classification: Lunar feldspathic breccia

Specimens: 21.25 g including a probe mount on deposit at UNM, Dustin Dickens holds the main mass.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 107

Northwest Africa 11789 (NWA 11789)

Mauritania
Purchased: 2017
Mass: 5.49 kg (9 pieces)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased in Mauritania by Dustin Dickens from anonymous meteorite hunter.

Physical characteristics: Nine black visually identical appearing pieces that fit back together to form a single mass with the largest piece weighing over 2 kg and the smallest under 45 g. The larger pieces show a black-brown fusion crust and thumb printing. Saw cut reveals a fragmented breccia with white feldspathic clasts set in a black ground mass.

Petrography: (C. Agee, UNM) This meteorite is a polymict breccia of fragmental feldspathic and mafic lithologies, as well as fragmental pyroxene, olivine, plagioclase grains, and shock melt.

Geochemistry: (C. Agee, UNM) Olivine Fa: 31.7±6.3, Fe/Mn=92±9, n=10; clinopyroxene Fs32.2±10.8Wo212.9±8.2 [sic], Fe/Mn=54±8, n=12; plagioclase An96.7±0.8, n=7; Shock melt (20 μm defocused electron beam, proxy for bulk meteorite composition): SiO2=43.6±0.8, TiO2=0.19±0.13, Al2O3=27.6±5.0, Cr2O3=0.12±0.08, MgO=6.7±4.4, FeO=4.3±2.9, MnO=0.06±0.04, CaO=15.7±2.3, Na2O=0.34±0.13, K2O=0.09±0.05 (all wt%), n=6.

Classification: Lunar feldspathic breccia.

Specimens: 43.15 g including a probe mount on deposit at UNM, Dustin Dickens holds the main mass.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 107

Northwest Africa 11898 (NWA 11898)

Mali
Purchased: 2018
Mass: 767.8 g (several pieces)

Lunar Meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased in March 2018 by Dustin Dickens from a meteorite dealer in Mali.

Physical characteristics: Several identical appearing dark stones covered partially with a milky-green fusion crust. Broken surface reveals a fragmental breccia with numerous white feldspathic clasts set in a dark colored ground mass.

Petrography: (C. Agee, UNM) This meteorite is a breccia of primarily feldspathic clasts, with lesser amounts of olivine and pyroxene fragments. The shock melt composition has a very high alumina content, vesicles occur throughout.

Geochemistry: (C. Agee, UNM) olivine Fa25.0±6.4, Fe/Mn=90±5, n=8; pigeonite Fs31.0±3.6Wo8.1±3.6, Fe/Mn=58±4, n=6; high-Ca pyroxene Fs22.3±3.7Wo35.0±4.7, Fe/Mn=52±5, n=4; plagioclase An96.3±0.7Ab3.5±0.7Or0.2±0.0, n=6; Shock melt (20 μm defocused electron beam, proxy for bulk meteorite composition): SiO2=43.1±0.6, TiO2=0.12±0.03, Al2O3=31.3±1.2, Cr2O3=0.03±0.01, MgO=2.0±0.5, FeO=2.5±0.5, MnO=0.03±0.01, CaO=18.0±0.4, Na2O=0.36±0.01, K2O=0.04±0.00 (all wt%), n=4.

Classification: Lunar feldspathic breccia

Specimens: 21.6 g including a probe mount on deposit at UNM, Dustin Dickens holds the main mass.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 107

Northwest Africa 11966 (NWA 11966)

Northwestern Africa
Purchased: 2015
Mass: 157.13 g (1 piece)

Lunar Meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased by Jay Piatek on April 27, 2015 from a Moroccan meteorite dealer.

Physical characteristics: Single stone, fresh fusion-crusted exterior. A saw cut reveals a fragmental breccia with many white feldspathic clasts and a large lithic clast set in a dark-gray groundmass.

Petrography: (C. Agee, UNM) This meteorite is a breccia of fragmental pyroxene, olivine, plagioclase grains. There are many domains that are fine-grained and cataclastic with shock melt and vesicles.

Geochemistry: (C. Agee, UNM) olivine Fa35.8±5.0, Fe/Mn=98±11, n=10; pigeonite Fs33.6±5.3Wo12.6±6.8, Fe/Mn=58±3, n=8; augite Fs29.0±2.9Wo34.8±4.3, Fe/Mn=57±1, n=2; plagioclase An96.4±0.9, n=7; Shock melt (20 μm defocused electron beam, proxy for bulk meteorite composition): SiO2=43.4±0.4, TiO2=0.18±0.06, Al2O3=31.0±1.2, Cr2O3=0.06±0.03, MgO=3.0±0.6, FeO=3.6±0.8, MnO=0.05±0.03, CaO=17.5±0.5, Na2O=0.35±0.04, K2O=0.07±0.02 (all wt%), n=7.

Classification: Lunar feldspathic breccia

Specimens: 20.1 g including a probe mount on deposit at UNM, Jay Piatek holds the main mass.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 107

Northwest Africa 11968 (NWA 11968)

Northwestern Africa
Purchased: 2015
Mass: 427.8 g (1 piece)

Lunar Meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased by Jay Piatek from Adam Aaronson in Morocco, 2015.

Physical characteristics: Single stone. Fresh, light green-brown fusion crust covers a significant part of the surface; the remainder of the exterior is a smooth, lustrous black color. Saw cut reveals a fragmental breccia with many white feldspathic clasts set in a dark gray ground mass.

Petrography: C. Agee, UNM) This meteorite is a breccia of fragmental pyroxene, olivine, plagioclase grains set in a fine-grained matrix. Fe-metal, chromite, ilmenite, and troilite were detected.

Geochemistry: (C. Agee, UNM) Olivine Fa: 37.4±9.5, Fe/Mn=92±5, n=8; low-Ca pyroxene Fs36.1±3.5Wo5.4±1.3, Fe/Mn=54±0, n=2; high-Ca pyroxene Fs19.9±2.3Wo33.3±9.3, Fe/Mn=49±4, n=3; plagioclase An95.7±1.4, n=4; Shock melt (20 μm defocused electron beam, proxy for bulk meteorite composition): SiO2=43.7±1.0, TiO2=0.20±0.11, Al2O3=30.7±3.6, Cr2O3=0.07±0.05, MgO=4.0±2.2, FeO=4.6±2.4, MnO=0.07±0.05, CaO=16.7±1.8, Na2O=0.34±0.09, K2O=0.05±0.02 (all wt%), n=12.

Classification: Lunar feldspathic breccia

Specimens: 20.0 g including a probe mount on deposit at UNM, Jay Piatek holds 407.8 g.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 108

Northwest Africa 12630 (NWA 12630)

Algeria
Purchase: 2019 February
Mass: 233 g (2 pieces)

Lunar Meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Two stones excavated at the site of the very large find near Tindouf, Algeria, were purchased by Doug Ingalls in February 2019 from a Moroccan dealer.

Petrography: (A. Irving, UWS and P. Carpenter, WUSL) Breccia composed of mineral clasts of anorthite, olivine, orthopyroxene, exsolved pigeonite and augite set in a much finer grained matrix containing magnesian ilmenite, troilite and sparse vesicles.

Geochemistry: Olivine Fa37.3±28.8 (Fa11.7-68.5, FeO/MnO = 82-99, N = 3), low-Ca pyroxene 20.1±4.0Wo3.8±0.8 (Fs17.3-22.9Wo3.2-4.4, FeO/MnO = 48-55, N – 2), augite (Fs19.7Wo40.4, FeO/MnO = 49), anorthite (An96.9Or0.0).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia).

Specimens: 20.6 g in the form of two polished endcuts at UWB; remainder with Mr. D. Ingalls..

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 108

Northwest Africa 12691 (NWA 12691)

Northwestern Africa
Find: 2017 January
Mass: 103.77 kg (many pieces)

Lunar Meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased from a meteorite dealer in Erfoud, Morocco.

Physical characteristics: Scores of specimens (total weight 103.770 kg) were found in January 2017 in the vicinity of Tindouf, Algeria and purchased by Darryl Pitt in February 2017 from a Mauritanian dealer. The largest specimens weigh 15.555 kg, 15.435 kg, 13.650 kg, 12.480 kg, 8.960 kg and 3.460 kg; nine specimens weigh between 1-4 kg, 31 specimens weigh between 100-500 g, and there are numerous smaller fragments.

Petrography: (A. Irving, UWS and P. Carpenter, WUSL) Breccia composed of angular mineral clasts of anorthite, olivine, pigeonite, subcalcic augite, chromite and ilmenite, together with some quench-textured lithic clasts, set in a sparsely vesicular, partly vitreous matrix containing minor troilite, kamacite and taenite.

Geochemistry: Olivine (Fa21.5-47.7, FeO/MnO = 87-102, N = 4), pigeonite (Fs38.5-43.0Wo7.1-5.3, FeO/MnO = 57-58, N = 2), subcalcic augite (Fs38.4Wo24.0, FeO/MnO = 53), plagioclase (An96.7Or0.1).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia).

Specimens: 20.3 g including four polished endcuts from separate stones at UWB; remainder with DPitt.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 108

Northwest Africa 12695 (NWA 12695)

Northwestern Africa
Purchased: 2015 March
Mass: 224 g ( piece)

Lunar Meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased from a meteorite dealer in Erfoud, Morocco.

Physical characteristics: Single stone consisting of approximately 80% white to light-gray colored, brecciated lithology and 20% dark-colored lithology containing fragments of white to light-gray colored clasts.

Petrography: (C. Agee, UNM) Microprobe examination was performed on a polished slab of the UNM deposit sample. The dominant lithology is an anorthosite with approximately 90-95% modal plagioclase with minor amounts of ubiquitous olivine, pyroxene, and ilmenite. The minor lithology is a fragmental breccia of primarily plagioclase, olivine, and pyroxene. Minor amounts of ilmenite, chromite, and silica-alkali feldspar intergrowths were also observed.

Geochemistry: (C. Agee, UNM) Plagioclase An96.2±0.8Ab3.6±0.7Or0.2±0.1, n=9; clinopyroxene Fs31.9±10.0Wo20.0±8.9, Fe/Mn=58±6, n=13; olivine Fa38.5±2.0, Fe/Mn=103±2.

Classification: Lunar, anorthosite.

Specimens: 21.4 g on deposit at UNM, DPitt holds the main mass.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 108

Northwest Africa 12760 (NWA 12760)

Algeria
Find: 2017 April
Mass: 58,090 kg (1 piece)

Lunar Meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: A single very large, uncrusted stone (58,090 kg) was found in April 2017 in the vicinity of Tindouf, Algeria, and purchased by Darryl Pitt in June 2017 from a Mauritanian dealer.

Petrography: (A. Irving, UWS and P. Carpenter, WUSL) Breccia composed of mineral clasts of anorthite, olivine, orthopyroxene, exsolved pigeonite, unexsolved pigeonite and augite within a sparsely vesicular and partly glassy matrix containing troilite, magnesian ilmenite, chromite and minor secondary barite.

Geochemistry: Olivine (Fa19.1-35.9, FeO/MnO = 88-97, N = 4), low-Ca pyroxene (Fs31.1-45.4Wo4.6-6.1, FeO/MnO = 50-56, N = 3), augite (Fs14.8Wo40.8, FeO/MnO = 38), pigeonite host in exsolved pyroxene (Fs38.4Wo12.7, FeO/MnO = 58), low-Ca pyroxene lamellae in exsolved pyroxene (Fs46.9-52.6Wo4.3-5.3, FeO/MnO = 57, N = 2), plagioclase (An96.4-97.2Or0.1, N = 2).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia).

Specimens: 20.1 g including a polished endcut at UWB; remainder with DPitt.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 108

Northwest Africa 12966 (NWA 12966)

(Northwestern Africa)
Purchased: 2019
Mass: 1.39 g (1 piece)

Lunar Meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

Petrography: (J. Gattacceca, CEREGE) Sparse mineral clasts (anorthite, olivine, pyroxene) in a melt rock matrix. Melt rock has abundant vesicles with typical sizes 50 µm. Troilite and rare metal are found in the melt rock fraction.

Geochemistry: Anorthite An96.00Ab3.6Or0.4 (n=3). Pyroxene Fs30.8Wo8.9, FeO/MnO = 52 (n=2). Olivine Fa36.4, FeO/MnO=118 (n=2).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic melt breccia)

Specimens: Type specimen at CEREGE. Main mass with Pierre-Marie Pelé.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 109

Northwest Africa 13101 (NWA 13101)

(Northwest Africa)
Find: 2017 January
Mass: 68.796 kg (several pieces)

Classification: Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: A batch of specimens (total weight 68.796 kg), including two large intact stones (28.498 and 24.292 kg) was recovered in January 2017 in Western Sahara or the Western Sahara/Algeria border region, and purchased by DPitt in February 2017 from a Mauritanian dealer.

Petrography: (A. Irving, UWS and P. Carpenter, WUSL) Breccia composed of angular mineral clasts of anorthite, olivine, orthopyroxene, pigeonite, subcalcic augite, chromite and ilmenite set in a sparsely vesicular, parly vitreous matrix containing minor troilite, kamacite and taenite.

Geochemistry: Olivine (Fa18.5-20.9, FeO/MnO = 88-97, N = 4), orthopyroxene (Fs16.3-17.1Wo2.4-4.0, FeO/MnO = 47-54, N = 2), pigeonite (Fs18.3Wo5.6; Fs37.3-47.1Wo4.4-9.0; FeO/MnO = 53-62; N = 3), subcalcic augite (Fs49.2Wo25.4, FeO/MnO = 63), plagioclase (An96.2-96.6Or0.1, N = 2).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia).

Specimens: 24.9 g including one polished endcut at UWB; remainder with DPitt.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 109

Northwest Africa 13120 (NWA 13120)

Southern Provinces, Morocco
Find: 2015
Mass : 818.7  g (1 piece)

Classification: Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: The meteorite was purchased in Tucson by Zhouping Guo.

Physical characteristics: A single bulk specimen lacks fusion crust. The sample specimen has obvious breccia characteristics and presents two different color regions: the dark color region with a polished external appearance; the light color region with a large amount of fine-grained terrestrial mineral fragment on the surface.

Petrography: Petrology (Z.Xia, B.Miao, GUT): The polished section was cut from the light color region of the specimen. The observation of petrology of this meteorite is based on this polished section. The meteorite shows typical breccia structure and large-area melt. All the lithological clast are melt-rock, except a basalt clast (80 × 160 μm). The matrix is dominated by glass with lot of vesicles, as well as few very-fine particles (<10 μm). The chemical composition of the glass is similar with that of anorthite. The main mineral is plagioclase, with a small amount of olivine, pyroxene, ilmenite, and troilite. Pyroxenes show chemical zoning in basalt clast. The abundance of the vesicles reaches 4 vol%.

Geochemistry: (Z.Xia, B.Miao, GUT): Plagioclase: An92.1-96.4Or0.03-0.71 (n=48); Olivine: Fa27-35, Fe/Mn=78-101 in melt-rock clast. Pyroxene in basalt: Fs15.11-69.72Wo22.36-46.14, Fe/Mn=37-73; Glass: SiO2 42.9 wt%, Al2O3 35.93 wt%, CaO 19.9 wt%, FeO 0.47 wt%, Na2O 0.49 wt%, MgO 0.18 wt%, K2O 0.01 wt%.

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia)

Specimens: Two polished sections and about 20 g sample are stored in the Institution of Meteorites and Planetary Materials Research of GUT, the main mass is exhibited in the Geological Museum of Guilin.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 109

Northwest Africa 13390 (NWA 13390)

Mauritania
Purchase: 2017 April 13
Mass : 113  g (1 piece)

Classification: Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased April 13, 2017, by Dustin Dickens from a nomad in Mauritania.

Physical characteristics: A single stone with no fusion crust. Cut surface reveals a fragmental breccia set in a dark-gray ground mass.

Petrography: (D. Dickens) This meteorite is a clast-rich polymict breccia with lithic fragments embedded in a fine-grained moderately vesiculated groundmass. Fragmental clasts sizes range from <0.1-6 mm and are primarily basaltic. Kamacite and ilmenite are present. This meteorite is shocked with some impact melt textures present.

Geochemistry: (C. Agee, UNM; D. Dickens) Olivine Fa28.5±5.68, Fe/Mn=98±6, n=14; pigeonite Fs35.8±11.6Wo8.0±5.1, Fe/Mn=60±6, n=10; high-Ca pyroxene Fs25.0±3.3Wo30.9±8.6, Fe/Mn=57±8 n=3; plagioclase An96.3±3.0Ab4.7±2.6Or0.3±0.4, n=7; shock melt (20 µm defocused electron beam, proxy for bulk meteorite composition): SiO2=44.8±1.0, Al2O3=26.0±2.9, CaO=15.3±1.2, MgO=5.6±1.2, FeO=4.5±0.3, TiO2=0.39±0.09, Cr2O3=0.11±0.02, MnO=0.07±0.02, Na2O=0.42±0.04, K2O=0.17±0.14 (all wt%), Fe/Mn=61±2, n=4, Mg#=55.4.

Classification: Lunar Fragmental Breccia

Specimens: 20 g including a probe mount on deposit at UNM, Oliver Dickens holds the main mass.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 109

Northwest Africa 13426 (NWA 13426)

(Northwestern Africa)
Purchase: 2020 March
Mass : 137.3  g (many pieces)

Classification: Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Many stones totaling 137.3 g were found and subsequently purchased from a meteorite prospector in Tindouf, Algeria, in March, 2020.

Physical characteristics: Samples are coated with a layer of light-orange caliche, and have a dark-colored interior containing clastic crystalline debris.

Petrography: Description and classification (A. Love, App): Sample is a breccia composed of rounded to angular 25.1-2241 μm (avg. length 272 μm, n=145) mineral grains and lithic clasts with poikilitic, basaltic and brecciated textures set within a melt matrix. Sample contains clear glassy spheres, fragments and glassy schlieren textured objects. Additional minerals are FeNi grains, a silica polymorph, chromite, ilmenite, titanomagnetite and troilite.

Geochemistry: (A. Love, App) Olivine Fa30.1±10.0 (Fa19.7-40.5, Fe/Mn=80.3±6.2, n=8); low-Ca pyroxene Fs21.2±2.5Wo3.2±0.2 (Fs19.5-23.0Wo3.1-3.4, Fe/Mn=48.8±1.3, n=2); pigeonite Fs32.4±4.9Wo11.6±3.9 (Fs23.0-37.7Wo5.9-18.0, Fe/Mn=51.9±2.8, n=5); high-Ca pyroxene Fs29.1±7.7Wo29.7±4.0 (Fs21.4-38.4Wo21.8-32.1, Fe/Mn=54.0±5.9, n=6); plagioclase An96.4±0.9Or0.2±0.2 (n=7).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia). Based on textures, melt matrix component and mineral compositions, this sample is a feldspathic breccia.

Specimens: Kuntz holds the main masses. A polished thin section and 10 fragments weighing 21.53 g are on deposit at App.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 110

Northwest Africa 13739 (NWA 13739)

Tindouf, Algeria
Purchased: 2020 November
Mass: 712 g (many pieces)

Classification: Lunar meteorite

History: Many fragments weighing a total of 712 g were found near Tindouf, Algeria, by locals. Carlos Muñecas (Expometeoritos) and Adrian Contreras purchased these samples from a dealer in Tindouf in November 2020.

Physical characteristics: Samples are irregularly shaped and lack fusion crust. Most samples are covered with a coating of caliche that also occurs within the interior of the samples in fractures. The interior is a dark-colored, fine-grained breccia.

Petrography: Description and classification (A. Love, App) Sample is a complex breccia composed of fine-grained (250 µm avg.) lithic and olivine, low- and high-Ca pyroxene, pigeonite and mineral fragments: gabbroic clasts, brecciated feldspathic clasts, FeNi metal and rare symplectites composed of fayalitic olivine and silica. This assemblage is crosscut by a several generations of crosscutting melt veins. Additional Minerals are sulfides, chromite, ilmenite, rare phosphates and secondary calcite.

Geochemistry: Description and classification (A. Love, App) Sample is a complex breccia composed of fine-grained (250 µm avg.) lithic and olivine, low- and high-Ca pyroxene, pigeonite and mineral fragments: gabbroic clasts, brecciated feldspathic clasts, FeNi metal and rare symplectites composed of fayalitic olivine and silica. This assemblage is crosscut by a several generations of crosscutting melt veins. Additional Minerals are sulfides, chromite, ilmenite, rare phosphates and secondary calcite.

Geochemistry: Microgabbro: olivine (Fa30.0±8.9, Fe/Mn=80.4±10.2, n=12); low Ca pyroxene (Fs24.7±2.1Wo4.1±0.6, Fe/Mn=55.6±6.5, n=5); Mineral fragments: pigeonite (Fs30.9±6.2Wo12.0±5.0, Fe/Mn=52.9±4.2, n=15); high Ca pyroxene (Fs43.6±16.2Wo27.4±4.8, Fe/Mn=56.7±7.6, n=6); plagioclase (An96.8±0.9Or0.1±0.1, n=15).  

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia) Based on textures and mineral compositions, this sample is a lunar feldspathic breccia.

Specimens: Carlos Muñecas (Expometeoritos) holds the 228 g main mass and Adrian Contreras and Carlos Muñecas jointly hold the remaining 484 g. Eleven small fragments weighing a total of 23.47 g and a polished thin section are on deposit at App.

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 110

Northwest Africa 14340 (NWA 14340)

Algeria
Purchased: 2017 June
Mass: 8.26 g (1 piece)

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased by R. Hilts in 2017 from Gary Fujihara, via the Internet, on behalf of MacEwan University. Fujihara had purchased the meteorite from nomads who reportedly found the meteorite in Algeria, in the same general area as NWA 11273.

Physical characteristics: A single 8.26-g stone with minor orange staining on the outer surface and no visible fusion crust. A broken surface reveals submillimeter to millimeter-size light grey to white clasts embedded in a dark matrix.

Petrography: (T. Mijajlovic, UAb and E. Walton, MU) The meteorite is a clast-rich, matrix-supported breccia. Petrographic and electron microscope examination of a thin section reveals mineral and lithic clasts, with major minerals plagioclase, olivine and pyroxene. Minor minerals include silica, ilmenite, troilite, and FeNi metal. Clasts are set in a fine-grained matrix that is partially shock melted, flow-textured and vesiculated. Lithic clasts, in descending order of abundance, include norite, olivine-gabbro, basalt and devitrified glass. Some clasts contain vesiculated anorthite or partially melted anorthite/pyroxene. Terrestrial weathering products include fracture- and vug-filling calcite and barite.

Geochemistry: Description and classification (A. Love, App) Sample is a complex breccia composed of fine-grained (250 µm avg.) lithic and olivine, low- and high-Ca pyroxene, pigeonite and mineral fragments: gabbroic clasts, brecciated feldspathic clasts, FeNi metal and rare symplectites composed of fayalitic olivine and silica. This assemblage is crosscut by a several generations of crosscutting melt veins. Additional Minerals are sulfides, chromite, ilmenite, rare phosphates and secondary calcite.

Geochemistry: Olivine (Fa17.4-35.4, FeO/MnO = 88.2 ± 5, N = 21), low-Ca pyroxene (En55.7-78.2Wo2.5-11.2, FeO/MnO = 52.3±4, N = 26), augite exsolution lamellae (En15.6-16.2Wo40.3-40.9, FeO/MnO = 46.5±4, N = 8), and anorthite (An92.0-An98.1). Oxygen isotope values linearized to a slope of 0.528 (K. Ziegler, UNM): δ17O = 3.003±0.061, δ18O = 5.792±0.134, Δ17O = -0.054±0.010 (N=3).  

Classification: Lunar, feldspathic regolith breccia, based on the presence of FeNi metal grains and a partially glassy spherule.

Specimens: 2.0 g type specimen held at UAb. Main mass and one polished thin section at MU.

Randy Says…

Compositionally, the NWA 8046 clan is a typical feldspathic lunar meteorite.

The NWA 8046 clan, alias “Algerian Megafind,” is the largest known lunar meteorite, but there are many, many pieces of it. The mass of the 21 named pairs that I have analyzed is 191 kg. I suspect that at least 17 other stones that I have not analyzed are paired with the NWA 8046 clan on basis of the MetBull descriptions and photographs. Adding these, the mass increases to 243 kg. Also, I know that a lot of this stuff is being sold without being classified. Note that many of the stones are reported to come from Tindouf, Algeria, but others are said to come from Mauritania and Western Sahara. The Mauritanian border is 33 km southwest of Tindouf.

NWA 8046 was purchased in 2012; the others have been found or purchased between 2015 and 2019. Nearly all are obviously weathered and only a few show hints of a fusion crust.

A petrological characteristic of the NWA 8046 clan is the presence of olivine with Fa33 (mean, range = Fa20–42) composition.

Data for subsamples of 22 NWA 8046 stones (includes 3 unnamed pairs). The meteorite is compositionally heterogeneous. The FeO-rich subsamples (about 30 mg each) contain clasts of mare basalt or mare glass (typically, 18-22% FeO). The Th-“rich” (>0.3 ppm) subsamples must contain some KREEP bearing lithologies. The low average concentrations of FeO and Th require an origin of the meteorite in the Feldspathic Highlands Terrane of the Moon but the presence of both basaltic and KREEPic material in quantitatively minor proportions suggest a nearside origin. The extremely-white anorthosite clast in the photo of NWA 10901 above would have <0.5 % FeO and a near-zero concentration of Th. None of the subsamples are dominated by anorthosite clasts, however.

More Information

Meteoritical Bulletin Database

NWA 8046 | 10309 | 10461 | 10609 | 10643 | 10649 | 10756 | 10822 | 10901 | 11029 | 11266 | 11269 | 11273 | 11303 | 11379 | 11428 | 11460 | 11479 | 11515 | 12691 | 12760 |

Other possible-to-likely pairs: NWA 2425 | 11331 | 11407 | 1142111444 | 11517 | 11532 | 11695 | 11787 | 11789 | 11898 | 11966 | 11968 | 12630 | 12695 | 12966 | 13101 | 13120 | 13390 | 13426 | 13739 | 14340 |

References

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Cao H. J., Ling Z. C., Chen J, and Fu X. H., and Zou Y. L., (2021) Petrography, mineralogy, and geochemistry of a new lunar magnesian feldspathic meteorite Northwest Africa 11460. Meteoritics & Planetary Science 56, 1857–1889.

Consolmagno G. J., Macke R. J., Opeil C. P., and Britt D. T. (2023) Thermal and physical properties of lunar meteorites at low temperatures. 86th Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical Society, abstract no. 6092.

Fagan A. L. and Gross J. (2020) Preliminary melt models of troctolite and anorthosite clasts within Northwest Africa 11303. 51st Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract no. 2904.

Huidobro J., Aramendia J., Ruiz-Galende P., Torre-Fdez I., and J. Madariaga M. (2019) Raman spectroscopy on the new Northwest Africa 11273 lunar meteorite to understand the initial impact and the final terrestrial weathering. 50th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract no. 2476.

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Lunning N. G. and Gross J. (2019) Lunar feldspathic regolith breccia with magnesium-rich components: Northwest Africa 11303. 50th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract no. 2047.

Korotev R. L. and Irving A. J. (2014) Keeping up with the lunar meteorites 2014. 45th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract no. 1405.

Korotev R. L. and Irving A. J. (2016) Not quite keeping up with the lunar meteorites – 2016. 47th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract no. 1358.

Korotev R. L. and Irving A. J. (2017) Still not keeping up with the lunar meteorites – 2017. Lunar and Planetary Science XLVIII, abstract no. 1498.

Korotev R. L. and Irving A. J. (2021) Lunar meteorites from northern Africa. Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 206–240.

Saini R., Mijajlovic T., Herd C. D. K., and Walton E. L. (2022) Northwest Africa 14340: Petrological characterization and shock metamorphism of a lunar regolith breccia. 85th Annual Meeting of The Meteoritical Society, abstract no. 6450.

Sheikh D., Ruzicka A. M., Hutson M.L., and Stream M. (2022) Dunite clast in lunar meteorite Northwest Africa (NWA) 14900: Mantle derived? 85th Annual Meeting of The Meteoritical Society, abstract no. 6077. 85th Annual Meeting of The Meteoritical Society, abstract no. 6077.

Treiman A. H. and Coleff D. M. (2018) Lunar meteorite Northwest Africa (NWA) 11421: X-ray tomography and preliminary petrology. 81st Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical Society, abstract no. 6329.

Treiman A. H. and Semprich J. (2019) Dunite in lunar meteorite Northwest Africa 11421: Petrology and origin. 50th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract no. 1225.

Treiman A. H. and Semprich J. J. (2021) Lunar feldspathic breccia Northwest Africa (NWA) 11421: Clasts in the corners. 84th Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical Society, abstract no. 6065.

Treiman A. H., Semprich J., Gross J., and Nagurney A. (2023) Preliminary thermobarometry of lunar dunites and lherzolites. 86th Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical Society, abstract no. 6274.

Will P., Busemann H., Riebe M. E. I., and Maden C. (2019) Regolith history of six lunar regolith breccias derived from noble gas elemental and isotopic abundances. 82nd Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical Society, abstract no. 6494.

Zeng X., Li S., Joy K., Li X., Li Y., Li R., and Wang S. (2019) Occurrence and implications of secondary olivine veinlets in lunar highland breccia Northwest Africa 11273. 82nd Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical Society, abstract no. 6228.