[meteorite-list] Interesting lunar meteorite

From: Stefan Ralew <stefan_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2007 00:21:38 +0200
Message-ID: <00d401c7813e$c55cd7a0$15b2a8c0_at_SN107086710318>

Dear list,

Today I'd like to show you some photos of an interesting lunar meteorite.
The material was already introduced some weeks ago on this list, and it has
been preliminary classified by Dr. Albert Jambon as a Lunar Monzogabbro
(provisional name: NWA 4683). Now I have cut some other fragments of this
find and have also polished a few pieces. I was extremely curious to see a
cut surface, and the matrix of this lunar meteorite really looks very
interesting. As has been stated in Dr. Jambon's classification text, the
texture resembles a Shergottite, and one can see the abundant maskelynite
which is rather typical for martian meteorites. But this lunar meteorite
reminds me also of a certain mare basalt find from Antarctica, and I'm
anxiously looking forward to further studies. This fresh and unbrecciated
lunar meteorite is without a doubt very special, and probably belongs to the
best finds from the Sahara.

I have uploaded some pictures to the following link. I hope you enjoy the
photos.
http://www.chladnis-heirs.com/monzogabbro.html

The material is not yet for sale at the moment. First, I would like to clear
up whether the entry of the TKW for NWA 4683 can be adjusted, and whether I
need a new NWA number for this material. All fragments come from one single
stone, and from the same source. In my opinion, it should not be necessary
to request several numbers for fragments of one and the same stone. But I
will inform myself on the current regulations of the NomComm. The (actual)
TKW of this meteorite is about 994 g in two large fragments and a few
smaller fragments. Unfortunately, this meteorite is a little bit friable and
therefore difficult to cut and the cutting loss is high. And polishing is
only possible with special equipment. But it is a strange and wonderful
meteorite and a real pleasure to watch under the microscope. I love it!

Best wishes,
Stefan

Chladni?s Heirs
Munich - Berlin
Received on Tue 17 Apr 2007 06:21:38 PM PDT