NWA 15368 Complete Lunar Meteorite - Main Mass Lunar...

NWA 15368 Complete Lunar Meteorite - Main Mass Lunar (fragmental breccia) Mali Found: 2021 Once in a great while, an offering will become manifest that is so singular and superlative in its nature that it really has no peer. This unbelievable MAIN MASS lunar meteorite is just such an item. A truly massive specimen weighing 17 kilograms (37.4 pounds), this example of recently classified lunar fragmental breccia representing NWA 15368 is even beyond the term museum-quality. Found in 2021 by camel shepherds in the Northern Saharan Zone of Mali, this fall consisted of a single stone with dark exterior coloration and one side partially covered in caliche. Cutting a test sample from the meteorite revealed fragmental breccia composition, with multiple lithic clasts in a glassy, dark gray ground mass. Evidencing high shock stage and moderate weathering, the origin of the amazing rock is the Highlands area of the Moon. Impact melt textures are present on the enormous extraterrestrial rock transported to Earth from its only natural satellite. To commemorate the Artemis program, this meteorite was dubbed "Artemis 17" prior to the official classification as NWA 15368. Standing 11 inches (28 cm) tall, when set on the flat 'window' serving as a base, this stone is relatively colossal and as significant in its dimensionality as it is in height. One of the largest examples of a lunar meteorite likely to be seen – and certainly to be offered for auction – this world-class specimen of the NWA 15368 variety is simply unparalleled. A vial with 3 grams of NWA 15368 dust accompanies this Lot. The highly textural surfaces of this giant meteorite exhibit mottled coloration, shallow planetary crater indentations, and a contrast of light and dark between the primary and secondary display face. In fact, two relatively deep holes give the effect of a pair of "eyes" on the face of the huge space rock. The big polished section reveals a fine-grained interior with lots of clasts and a two-tone gray and brown color. An otherwise smooth surface features a small channel groove such that its bottom is not perfectly flat. The complexity, texture, and color of the exterior result in a sublime offering that needs to be seen in person in order to fully appreciate. This simply represents one massive and superb piece of the Moon. This Lot comes with a Certificate of Authenticity confirming this rock is the MAIN MASS of NWA 15368. Measurements: 11.02 x 9.84 x 7.09 inches (28.00 x 25.00 x 18.00 cm), weighs 16.97 kilograms (37.42 pounds) HID09710052018 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved