Ouargla 004 Lunar Meteorite

Discover our collection of Ouargla 004 Lunar Meteorite, an exceptionally rare lunar meteorite that originated on the Moon before being blasted into space by a powerful impact and eventually reaching Earth.

Officially recognised by the Meteoritical Society, Ouargla 004 was discovered in Ouargla Province, Algeria, during 2021 and approved later that year. Classified as a Lunar Feldspathic Melt Breccia, the entire known meteorite weighs just 1,046 grams, making it one of the rarer officially recognised lunar meteorites available to collectors.

Unlike meteorites that originate from asteroids, lunar meteorites are genuine fragments of the Moon. They are created when large asteroid impacts eject pieces of the lunar surface into space. After travelling through the Solar System, a small number eventually intersect Earth's orbit and survive atmospheric entry, providing scientists with direct samples of the Moon without the need for a space mission.

Ouargla 004 is classified as a polymict feldspathic melt breccia, meaning it is composed of numerous fragments of different lunar rocks that became fused together by molten material generated during ancient impact events. Petrographic examination identified feldspathic breccias, poikilitic norite, troctolite and glassy impact melt together with accessory minerals including chromite, ilmenite, troilite, spinel, silica polymorphs and small iron-nickel metal grains.

The meteorite displays a distinctive glossy black exterior with little or no preserved fusion crust. When cut and polished, its interior reveals a fine-grained impact breccia recording multiple episodes of lunar bombardment over billions of years. Mineral chemistry confirms its lunar origin through characteristic iron-to-manganese ratios in olivine and pyroxene together with highly calcic plagioclase.

With a total known weight of only 1.046 kilograms, Ouargla 004 represents an outstanding opportunity to own authentic material from Earth's nearest celestial neighbour. Every specimen preserves a unique record of the Moon's violent geological history dating back more than 4.5 billion years.

Our collection showcases authentic Ouargla 004 specimens selected for their provenance, recognised classification and scientific significance.

As our collection continues to grow, additional Ouargla 004 specimens and preparations will be added.

Official Classification

Why Collect Ouargla 004?

• Officially recognised Lunar Feldspathic Melt Breccia.
• Genuine material originating from the Moon.
• Total known weight of only 1,046 grams.
• Formed by multiple ancient lunar impact events.
• Contains feldspathic breccias, norite, troctolite and impact melt.
• An exceptional addition to advanced meteorite collections and planetary science displays.

Featured Specimens

Our collection may include:

• Raw Specimens
• Polished Slices
• End Cuts
• Collector Specimens
• Research Quality Specimens
• Museum Display Specimens

As our collection grows, additional Ouargla 004 specimens and preparations will become available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ouargla 004?

Ouargla 004 is an officially recognised lunar meteorite recovered in Algeria during 2021. It originated from the Moon before being ejected into space by an ancient impact event.

What is a feldspathic melt breccia?

A feldspathic melt breccia is a rock composed of fragments of different lunar rocks that became cemented together by molten impact material during major collisions on the Moon.

Why is Ouargla 004 so rare?

Only 1,046 grams have been officially recorded, making it significantly rarer than many other lunar meteorites.

How do scientists know it came from the Moon?

Its mineral chemistry, rock textures and characteristic iron-to-manganese ratios match samples collected during the Apollo missions and other confirmed lunar meteorites.

Where was Ouargla 004 found?

It was discovered in Ouargla Province, Algeria, during 2021 by nomads who recognised the unusual stones before they entered the scientific classification process.

Is every specimen unique?

Yes. Every specimen differs naturally in shape, mineral distribution, breccia texture and weathering, making every example unique.

Related Collections

You may also be interested in:

• Meteorite Specimens
• Lunar Meteorites
• Meteorites by Name
• Oued El Hamim 001 Lunar Meteorite
• Stony Meteorites

References

• Meteoritical Bulletin Database – Ouargla 004.
• Meteoritical Society – Meteoritical Bulletin No. 110.