igneous
Lunar Meteorite
Lunar Feldspathic Breccia
Hardness: 5-7 (Mohs); Color: Dark fusion crust with light gray to white clasts in a dark matrix; Luster: Sub-metallic (crust) to vitreous/earthy; Crystal structure: Mixed/Fragmented; Cleavage: None/Irregular
- Hardness
- 5-7 (Mohs)
- Luster
- Sub-metallic (crust) to vitreous/earthy
Identified More igneous →
Explore Lunar Meteorite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 5-7 (Mohs); Color: Dark fusion crust with light gray to white clasts in a dark matrix; Luster: Sub-metallic (crust) to vitreous/earthy; Crystal structure: Mixed/Fragmented; Cleavage: None/Irregular
Formation & geological history
Formed on the Moon as a result of impacts (impact breccia) or ancient volcanic activity. These fragments are ejected from the Moon's surface by meteoroid impacts and eventually land on Earth. Age is typically 3-4.5 billion years.
Uses & applications
Scientific research (studying lunar composition), high-end geological collections, and limited jewelry use such as set pendants.
Geological facts
Lunar meteorites are rarer than gold or diamonds on Earth. They are confirmed as Moon rocks by comparing their chemical and isotopic signatures to samples returned by the Apollo missions.
Field identification & locations
Identify by looking for a 'fusion crust' from atmospheric entry and a lack of quartz. In the field, look for a magnetic signature (though low) and distinct interior clasts. Found mostly in desert environments like the Sahara or Antarctica.
