Complete Slice of NWA 8127

A LUNAR METEORITE WITH MASKELYNITE GLASS SHOCK VEINS THROUGHOUT

This slice of the rare and exceedingly unique NWA 8127 is composed of olivine gabbro, giving it a distinctive and stunning green hue with black lines running throughout. These lines are shock veins, where portions of the gabbro were converted to a glass known as maskelynite, caused by a violent impact event that launched NWA 8127 off the lunar surface.

Lunar material is some of the rarest material to exist on our planet — only 1,536 kilograms (3,386 lb) of confirmed lunar meteorites currently exist on Earth. And, while six of the Apollo missions brought back 382 kilograms (842 lb) of so-called "Moon rocks" from their combined voyages, these samples of the Moon are unavailable for private ownership. As a result, any piece of lunar material is exceedingly rare and highly sought after by both institutions and private collectors.

REFERENCES:

Meteoritical Bulletin Entry for NWA 8127