Lunar Meteorite: Northwest Africa 15348

from The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 111

Northwest Africa 15348 (NWA 15348)

(Northwestern Africa)
Purchased: 2021
Mass: 905 g (4 pieces)

Lunar meteorite (fragmental breccia)

History: Purchased by DPitt in 2021.

Physical Characteristics: Four identical appearing stones found together. Desert weathered exterior with no fusion crust. Saw-cut surface reveals a breccia with light and dark colored clasts set in a light gray groundmass.

Petrography:  (C. Agee and A. Ross, UNM) Reflected light microscopy and electron microprobe analysis indicates a lunar fragmental breccia with lithic clasts and minerals clasts. Major phases are plagioclase, olivine, pigeonite and augite. Minor phases include Low-Ni iron metal, ilmenite, troilite, and Cl-rich apatite.

Geochemistry:  (A. Ross, UNM) Plagioclase An_95.2±1.9Ab_4.6±1.9, n=4; pigeonite Fs_33.4±7.5Wo_9.4±6.2, Fe/Mn=57±7, n=6; augite Fs_22.1±7.6Wo_38.8±3.0, Fe/Mn=50±6, n=2; olivine Fa_36.9±11.9, Fe/Mn=97±5, n=8.

Classification: Lunar fragmental breccia.

Specimens: 26.5 g on deposit at UNM, DPitt holds the main mass.

Randy Says…

I have not studied Northwest Africa 15348.

More Information

Meteoritical Bulletin Database

NWA 15348