• Type: Lunar / troctolitic anorthosite
• Location: Libya
• Weight: 4.8g
• Dimensions: 53 x 24 x 2 mm
• Year of discovery: 2024
• Known total weight: 329 kg
• Surface treatment: cut slice
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Ash Shaqqah 002 - One of the largest known lunar meteorites in the world Ash Shaqqah 002 is an important lunar meteorite found in Libya in 2024. It is not an observed fall, but a find consisting of numerous fragments scattered in the desert region of northeastern Libya, near the Jaghbub oasis. The total mass recovered is approximately 329 kilograms, placing it among the largest known lunar meteorites. The material was recovered in the form of numerous pieces of various sizes, ranging from small fragments to blocks weighing tens of kilograms. Such a large mass is extremely rare among lunar meteorites. Mineralogy and structure of the lunar breccia From a petrographic perspective, it is a brecciated troctolitic anorthosite. The dominant mineral is anorthitic plagioclase, which accounts for about 80% of the rock's volume. Olivine and small amounts of low-calcium pyroxene are also present. The meteorite's structure shows clear evidence of strong impact shock, typical of material ejected from the Moon's surface during large collisions. Origin in the lunar highlands The chemical and mineralogical composition indicates that Ash Shaqqah 002 originated from the lunar highlands rather than the dark basaltic mare regions. This rock formed deep in the lunar crust during early magmatic processes and was subsequently fractured by impact events and ejected from the lunar surface during a large collision. Extent of the strewn field The largest individual fragment of Ash Shaqqah 002, weighing almost 49 kilograms, was recovered in early November. In the following weeks, until December, other medium and small fragments were gradually discovered, bringing the total recovered mass to approximately 329 kilograms. The meteorites were scattered in an elliptical field of about 5 × 3.5 kilometers, consistent with the fragmentation of the body during atmospheric entry. Most of the recovered material subsequently entered important private and institutional collections, where it is preserved for further scientific research and documentation. Free certificate Oued el Hamim 001 lunar meteorite - 1.2g - Libya