Lunar Meteorite: Northwest Africa 14576

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 111

Northwest Africa 14576 (NWA 14576)

(Northwestern Africa)
Purchased: 2021
Mass: 10,050 g (3 pieces)

Lunar meteorite (fragmental breccia)

History: Purchased from a meteorite dealer in Mauritania in 2021.

Physical characteristics: Three identical appearing pieces (2.74 kg, 2.41 kg, and 4.90 kg) found together. Saw cut slice surfaces shows numerous dark gray and white clasts many of which are angular, also a few breccia clasts with a distinct appearance from the host groundmass breccia are visible.

Petrography: (A. Ross and C. Agee, UNM) Electron microprobe analysis and reflected light microscopy indicate a lunar polymict breccia. Major phases are plagioclase, olivine, and pyroxene; minor phases Cr-spinel, ilmenite, zircon, troilite, and Fe-metal (low Ni) were detected.

Geochemistry: (A. Ross, UNM) Plagioclase An_96.1±1.7Ab_3.6±0.3, n=4; olivine Fa_32.1±7.5, Fe/Mn=99±7, n=6; pigeonite Fs_30.1±3.8Wo_9.7±3.5, Fe/Mn=53±5, n=4; augite Fs_15.3±4.5Wo_39.9±2.7, Fe/Mn=45±6, n=2.

Classification: Lunar fragmental breccia.

Specimens: 24.8 g on deposit at UNM, Mark Lyon holds the main mass.

Randy Says…

I have not studied Northwest Africa 14576.

More Information

Meteoritical Bulletin Database

NWA 14576