Massive Lunar Meteorite Evidencing Water on the Moon - 10.8 kg
Price on Request
A Rare and Monumental Specimen of Lunar Origin
Weighing an extraordinary 10.8 kilograms, this specimen of Oued El Hamim 001 is one of the largest lunar meteorites ever offered for private ownership. Discovered in 2024 near Ajdabiya, Libya, this lunar fragmental breccia has been classified by Dr. Carl Agee of the University of New Mexico as an authentic piece of the Moon’s surface. Its exceptional size, scientific importance, and natural beauty make it a cornerstone for any serious collection.
A Lunar Specimen of Uncommon Scale
Lunar meteorites are among the rarest materials on Earth, and specimens of this magnitude are exceedingly scarce. The reddish-brown, textured surface of OEH 001 reflects its weathering in the Libyan desert, while polished slices reveal white feldspar fragments, multicolored mineral clasts, and a fine-grained gray-green matrix. Its monumental size and striking appearance set it apart as a unique natural artifact.
Scientific Importance: A Rare Glimpse into Lunar Water Activity
What makes Oued El Hamim 001 truly exceptional is the evidence of aqueous alteration—a feature almost unheard of in lunar meteorites. Analysis by Dr. Agee shows olivine crystals altered into an iddingsite-like phase, indicating interaction with water beneath the Moon’s surface. Clear boundaries between unaltered and altered regions reveal a fascinating geological history, offering insights into processes rarely associated with lunar materials.
Key Features:
• Mass: 10.8 kilograms—an extraordinary size for a lunar meteorite (10,859 grams)
• Classification: Lunar fragmental breccia, classified by Dr. Carl Agee (UNM)
• Composition: Plagioclase feldspar, olivine (unaltered and altered), pyroxenes, and vesicular shock melt domains
• Provenance: Part of a 33.18 kg total find in the Libyan desert
• Dimensions: 19 x 26 x 14 cm (7.5 x 10.25 x 5.5 in)
From the Moon to Earth
Oued El Hamim 001 began its journey millions of years ago, when a colossal asteroid impact ejected it from the Moon’s surface. After traveling 384,000 kilometers through space, it landed on Earth, where it was discovered in the Libyan desert. Its lunar origin was confirmed through detailed mineralogical and chemical analysis by Dr. Carl Agee, establishing it as an authentic relic of our nearest celestial neighbour
This meteorite represents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a specimen of immense scientific and aesthetic value. With its unparalleled size and rare geological features, Oued El Hamim 001 is a tangible connection to the Moon, a relic of cosmic history, and an iconic addition to any world-class collection.