Lunar Meteorite: Northwest Africa 14280

A 2.3-g slice of Northwest Africa 14280. Photo credit: Matthew Stream

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 110

Northwest Africa 14280 (NWA 14280)

Algeria
Find: 202o November
Mass: 26 g (1 piece)

Lunar meteorite (feldspathic breccia)

History: Purchased by Matthew Stream in 2021 from a meteorite dealer in Algeria.

Physical characteristics: Sample displays minor fusion crust. A slice of the interior reveals an assortment of light and dark clasts.

Petrography: (D. Sheikh, Cascadia) Sample is a fragmental breccia primarily composed of angular to sub-rounded anorthitic clasts (up to 3 mm) and isolated mineral fragments set within a fine-grained matrix. Accessory phases include ilmenite and chromite.

Geochemistry: Olivine (Fa41.1±0.7, range Fa40.0-42.1, FeO/MnO=106±16, n=8), Low-Ca Pyroxene (Fs30.2Wo3.9, FeO/MnO=54, n=1), Calcic Plagioclase (An96.9±0.8, range An95.7-98.1, n=20).

Classification: Lunar (feldspathic fragmental breccia).

Specimens: 5.3 g at Cascadia; main mass with Matthew Stream.

Randy Says…

I have not studied Northwest Africa 14280.

More Information

Meteoritical Bulletin Database

NWA 14280

Lunar Meteorites
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List – Al2O3 Order