SKU: 43822523401

Adrar 013 Lunar Meteorite End Cut, Melt Breccia, 4.39g, Polished Interior with Natural Exterior

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Description

Adrar 013 Lunar Meteorite End Cut, Melt Breccia, 4.39g, Polished Interior with Natural ExteriorComplete cross section from polished interior to weathered exterior This 4. 39g end cut of Adrar 013 preserves both a mirror polished interior face and unpolished natural exterior surfaces in a single complete slice. The polished face exposes the lunar melt breccia's internal structure: light toned anorthositic norite matrix interspersed with darker mafic mineral phases frozen from impact melt. The natural exterior faces retain the weathering patina

Complete cross-section from polished interior to weathered exterior

This 4.39g end cut of Adrar 013 preserves both a mirror-polished interior face and unpolished natural exterior surfaces in a single complete slice. The polished face exposes the lunar melt breccia's internal structure: light-toned anorthositic norite matrix interspersed with darker mafic mineral phases frozen from impact melt. The natural exterior faces retain the weathering patina acquired during terrestrial residence in Algeria following the meteorite's fall to Earth. End cuts function as complete cross-sectional specimens, presenting the full progression from exterior weathered surface through to interior mineralogy without requiring multiple pieces.

The specimen size provides sufficient surface area to observe melt breccia texture under magnification while remaining accessible for collectors building lunar collections. The polish quality eliminates optical interference, allowing direct observation of mineral boundaries, clast distribution patterns, and the contact between light feldspathic matrix and darker pyroxene-rich zones.

Impact melt texture and mineral composition

The polished face reveals the characteristic texture of lunar melt breccia: angular to sub-rounded mineral and lithic clasts suspended in a once-molten matrix that solidified rapidly under lunar vacuum conditions. Light-toned regions represent plagioclase feldspar-rich anorthositic material derived from the Moon's ancient highland crust. Darker phases correspond to pyroxene and other mafic minerals, indicating contribution from deeper crustal layers or mare basalt components excavated during impact.

The anorthositic norite to gabbro classification documents the mixed source lithologies melted and homogenized during the impact event. Norite contains orthopyroxene as the dominant mafic mineral, while gabbro contains clinopyroxene, and the gradation between these compositions reflects incomplete mixing in the impact melt sheet. The preserved textural heterogeneity visible in this specimen records the chaotic thermal and mechanical conditions during crater formation.

Scientific context

Lunar meteorites originate from impact events that accelerate surface material beyond the Moon's 2.4 km/s escape velocity. Once ejected into heliocentric orbit, these fragments travel through space until gravitational perturbations deliver them to Earth's surface. Adrar 013 was recovered in 2023 from Algeria, representing material excavated from the Moon's surface through meteoroid bombardment that has continued throughout the Moon's 4.5-billion-year history. Melt breccias like Adrar 013 specifically sample the products of large impact events energetic enough to generate substantial volumes of impact melt, distinguishing them from fragmental breccias formed through mechanical crushing alone. Study of lunar meteorites extends our understanding of lunar geology beyond the limited geographic sampling of the Apollo and Luna missions. Learn About Meteorites to understand how these specimens reach Earth and what they reveal about Solar System processes.

Frequently asked questions

Is this meteorite authenticated? Adrar 013 is officially classified in the Meteoritical Bulletin as a lunar melt breccia with anorthositic norite/gabbro composition. Meteoritical Bulletin entry: Adrar 013. Every specimen includes a certificate of authenticity documenting classification, weight, and origin.

What is a melt breccia? A melt breccia is a rock composed of mineral and lithic fragments (clasts) embedded in a matrix of impact-generated melt that solidified. Unlike fragmental breccias formed purely through mechanical crushing, melt breccias contain a significant component of once-molten material produced by the extreme temperatures of large impacts. The texture records the moment of solidification when the melt froze around suspended fragments.

What is included with this specimen? You receive the complete 4.39g Adrar 013 end cut with polished interior and natural exterior faces, plus a certificate of authenticity. No display stand is included.

Why does one side look different from the other? The polished face was cut and polished to reveal the meteorite's internal structure and mineralogy, while the natural exterior faces were left unpolished to preserve the original weathered surface as recovered from the Algerian desert. This dual presentation provides both scientific observation capability and preservation of natural features in one specimen.

How did Moon rocks reach Earth? Large meteoroid impacts on the lunar surface excavate material with enough velocity to escape the Moon's gravity. These ejected fragments orbit the Sun until gravitational interactions with Earth eventually cause them to fall as meteorites. The process requires excavation velocities exceeding 2.4 km/s, achieved only in substantial impact events.

Lunar collecting and display value

Lunar meteorites represent the only Moon material legally available for private ownership outside of government-controlled Apollo and Luna return samples. Adrar 013's classification as a melt breccia adds scientific interest through its documentation of large-scale impact melting processes. End cuts provide maximum information density by preserving both polished and natural surfaces, making them efficient specimens for collectors prioritizing completeness over individual surface types.

The 4.39g mass provides display presence while remaining accessible for collectors entering lunar meteorite acquisition. The clear textural differentiation visible between light feldspathic matrix and darker mafic phases makes this specimen effective for visual demonstration of lunar crustal composition. The preserved natural exterior complements the polished interior by showing the meteorite's appearance as recovered, adding context to the prepared surface. Explore additional specimens in our Lunar Meteorites collection to compare impact melt breccias with other lunar lithologies including regolith breccias, highland anorthosites, and mare basalts.

Meteoritical Bulletin entry: Adrar 013 | Classification: Lunar melt breccia (anorthositic norite/gabbro) | Find, Algeria, 2023

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SKU: 43822523401

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Jill Nicely
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 4
so elegant but best for softer foods
Color: Gold, Color: Gold
I am impressed with this gold silverware. I was surprised because they are very light, but they are also elegant. The handles are a little longer than the usual plasticware, so holding them, using them to eat, made me feel like the meal was elevated. These would be perfect at a garden party, a brunch, a fancy picnic. I love that there are equal numbers of knives, forks, and spoons, and they would look beautiful at place settings, or just tossed into glasses for people to grab what they need. My one misgiving about recommending these for any occasion is the knife. It’s just not sharp, and like the other pieces, it is lightweight. It’s great for spreading butter onto a roll and could cut through soft foods like pasta or cake. But any attempt to cut through a piece of meat or a starchy vegetable that’s just lightly cooked will result in the knife snapping in half. But if you’re serving relatively soft foods (brunch would be perfect!), then this is an elegant, easy solution to feed a lot of people while keeping cleanup to a minimum.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2026
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Verified Purchase
Christine B.
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Durability and reliability
Color: Gold
Very durable. Loved them
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2026
R
Rose Patterson
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Fancy enough for a wedding, easy enough for a backyard party
Color: Gold, Color: Gold
I picked up this 300 Pack Premium Heavy Duty Gold Plastic Silverware set for a recent gathering, and honestly it worked out better than I expected. When you’re hosting a larger group, the last thing you want to worry about is running out of utensils or washing a mountain of dishes afterward, and this set definitely helped with that. First off, the 300-piece set is really convenient. You get 100 forks, 100 spoons, and 100 knives, which made it easy to plan for about 100 guests without having to buy multiple packs. Everything arrived neatly organized in a clear storage box, which actually made it super easy to keep things tidy until party time. The gold metallic finish is surprisingly nice. It gave the table a more polished, elegant look than standard plastic cutlery. I used them for a semi-formal dinner setup, and they blended in well with the decorations instead of looking cheap or out of place. As for durability, they’re definitely heavier than typical disposable utensils. The forks handled pasta and salads just fine, and the knives worked well for softer foods like chicken and cake. They’re not quite the same as real metal silverware, of course, but for plastic they’re pretty sturdy and didn’t snap or bend easily. I also appreciated that they’re BPA-free and disposable, which made cleanup incredibly simple once everything wrapped up. The only small downside is that if you’re cutting tougher foods like steak, you might notice the knives aren’t quite strong enough for that. But for most party foods, buffets, and desserts, they work perfectly well. Overall, this is a great option for parties, weddings, or large dinners when you want something that looks nicer than basic plastic but still want the convenience of disposable utensils. I’d definitely use them again for future events.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2026
J
John S.
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Amazing value, looks great - quite durable
Color: Gold
I recently hosted a large dinner party and decided to go with the 300 Pack Premium Heavy Duty Gold Plastic Silverware. Let me tell you, it was a great choice! First off, the set comes with 100 forks, spoons, and knives, which was perfect for my guest list of 100. I love that it’s all in one package, so I didn’t have to stress about running out of cutlery during the event. The heavy-duty plastic feels surprisingly sturdy, and I didn’t have a single fork bend or break, even with the heartier dishes I served. The gold metallic finish added such an elegant touch to the table setting. My guests complimented how fancy it looked for disposable cutlery! It really elevated the overall vibe of the dinner without the hassle of using real silverware or worrying about cleanup. After the meals, all I had to do was toss everything into the trash, which saved me a ton of time and effort. Another thing I appreciated was the organized storage box. It kept everything neat and clean until I was ready to use it, which is a bonus if you're planning an event. All in all, I highly recommend this set for anyone hosting gatherings. It combines functionality with a stylish appearance, making cleanup a breeze while still impressing your guests.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2026
F
Fulano y Fulanita
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 4
Slight odor, more flexible than I expected
Color: Gold, Color: Gold
These looked like they were going to be heavy duty, but they were more flexible than I expected (see video clip). They probably still will work well, but if you’re poking your fork into something stiff, expect that the fork might bend some. There was a slight chemical odor when I opened the package, and I’m not a fan of that. As someone with MCS, I have to avoid exposure to fragrances and other harmful chemicals, and it makes me wonder what these are coated with. The gold might be cute for the aesthetic you’re going for with a particular gathering or party, but I find it unnecessary. I would rather go with the real heavy duty ones that are clear plastic from a club warehouse rather than these gold ones. I feel that these are overpriced for the quality, but not a bad price if all you’re going for is the gold aesthetic.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2026

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