This lunar meteorite “was found in 2002 by Berber meteorite hunters in the area of Adrar, Algeria. In collector circles it has been given the nickname the stained glass lunar due to its very busy matrix consisting of fragments of various Lunar minerals including plagioclase, pyroxene, and olivine which have been compressed together over time.” — Bonhams
Touat 005 is classified as a “lunar fragmental breccia with white plagioclase megacrysts and lithic clasts set in a dark shocked matrix. The megacrysts are up to two centimeters in length and are translucent in thinly sliced slabs. The olivine and pyroxene compositions and mafic minerals are similar to that in ferroan anorthosites. Shock melt veins with vesicles were observed.” — Met Bull
In the pantheon of lunar meteorites, the “LUN A – Anorthositic Highland Rocks were originally coarse-grained, plutonic rocks, forming the ancient highlands that dominate both sides of the Moon. Over time, these rocks were thoroughly granulated, heavily brecciated, and partially melted by impacts, leading to the establishment of three subtypes of lunar anorthosites – regolith breccias, impact-melt breccias, and fragmental breccias.”
“Fragmental breccias: The rare members of this subgroup represent the deeper layers of the lunar surface, of which only a few members are known.”
Dimensions: 4.1″x2.6″x2.3” whole stone, 410g
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