Lunar Basalt Meteorite Value Guide

Period
4000000000-3000000000 BCE
Origin
Unknown
Materials
Pyroxene, Plagioclase, Olivine, Ilmenite
Category
Meteorite

This rare specimen is a fragment of the Moon's maria, ejected into space by an asteroid impact before surviving atmospheric entry. Composed of pyroxene and olivine, these ancient volcanic rocks date back up to 4 billion years, making them significantly older than most terrestrial stones.

What affects the value of Lunar Basalt Meteorite?

  • Total weight and size of the specimen, with current market values ranging between $280 and $310 for this size class.
  • The presence and preservation quality of the fusion crust on the exterior surfaces.
  • The clarity and distribution of mineral inclusions like olivine and plagioclase visible to the naked eye.
  • The historical significance of the specimen as a representative of the Moon's early volcanic history.

How to Identify Lunar Basalt Meteorite?

  • Look for a dark-toned, dense stony matrix consistent with lunar mare basalt composition.
  • Examine the surface for a weathered fusion crust formed during the intense heat of atmospheric entry.
  • Identify visible silicate inclusions such as plagioclase, pyroxene, and ilmenite within the specimen.
  • Verify the absence of a significant metallic iron-nickel content, which distinguishes lunar basalt from common iron meteorites.

History of Lunar Basalt Meteorite

This specimen is a fragment of the Moon's surface ejected into space by an asteroid impact. It eventually crossed Earth's orbit and survived the intense heat of atmospheric entry. Lunar basalt originates from the lunar maria, the large dark plains formed by ancient volcanic eruptions on the Moon. These rocks are older than most terrestrial stones, offering a glimpse into the early volcanic history of our solar system.

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