Oued El Hamim 001 Lunar

Discover our collection of Oued El Hamim 001 Lunar Meteorite, an exceptionally rare lunar meteorite that originated from the surface of the Moon before being ejected into space by a powerful asteroid impact.

Officially recognised by the Meteoritical Society, Oued El Hamim 001 was recovered in Libya during 2024 and is classified as a Fragmental Breccia Lunar Meteorite. With an official total known weight of 33.18 kilograms, it represents an important addition to the limited number of recognised lunar meteorites available to collectors and researchers.

Unlike meteorites originating from asteroids, lunar meteorites are genuine pieces of the Moon. They are formed when large impacts eject lunar surface material into space, where fragments travel through the Solar System before eventually falling to Earth. Each lunar meteorite provides valuable scientific information without the need for costly space missions.

Oued El Hamim 001 is classified as a fragmental breccia, meaning it consists of numerous angular rock fragments that were naturally fused together by repeated impact events on the lunar surface. Laboratory studies identified a diverse mineral assemblage including plagioclase, pyroxene and olivine, together with evidence of shock metamorphism and impact processing that records billions of years of lunar geological history.

Current research also identified minerals showing aqueous alteration, making Oued El Hamim 001 particularly interesting for understanding the complex geological evolution of the lunar crust and the effects of impact processes over time.

Lunar meteorites remain among the most desirable meteorites available to collectors due to their rarity, scientific importance and direct connection to Earth's nearest celestial neighbour. Every specimen represents authentic lunar material that formed approximately 4.5 billion years ago, long before human civilisation existed.

Our collection showcases authentic Oued El Hamim 001 specimens selected for their provenance, recognised classification and scientific significance.

As our collection continues to grow, additional Oued El Hamim 001 specimens and preparations will be added.

Official Classification

Why Collect Oued El Hamim 001?

• Officially classified as a Lunar Fragmental Breccia.
• Genuine material originating from the Moon.
• Total known weight of 33.18 kilograms.
• Records billions of years of lunar impact history.
• Contains diverse lunar minerals including plagioclase, pyroxene and olivine.
• An exceptional addition to advanced meteorite collections and planetary science collections.

Featured Specimens

Our collection may include:

• Raw Specimens
• Cut Specimens
• End Cuts
• Collector Specimens
• Research Quality Specimens
• Display Specimens

As our collection grows, additional Oued El Hamim 001 specimens and preparations will become available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oued El Hamim 001?

Oued El Hamim 001 is an officially recognised lunar meteorite recovered in Libya. It originated from the Moon before being ejected into space by an impact event and eventually falling to Earth.

What is a fragmental breccia?

A fragmental breccia is a rock composed of numerous broken fragments that have been naturally compacted and cemented together. In lunar meteorites, these fragments preserve evidence of repeated impact events on the Moon's surface.

How did this meteorite reach Earth?

A large asteroid impact on the Moon launched fragments of lunar crust into space. After travelling through the Solar System, one of these fragments eventually entered Earth's atmosphere and landed in the Sahara Desert.

Why are lunar meteorites so valuable?

Lunar meteorites are exceptionally rare and provide direct access to lunar geology without the need for space missions. Their rarity and scientific importance make them highly sought after by collectors and researchers.

Where was Oued El Hamim 001 found?

It was recovered in Libya during 2024 and later officially classified by the Meteoritical Society.

Is every specimen unique?

Yes. Every specimen differs naturally in shape, texture, mineral distribution and weathering, making each piece completely unique.

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References

• Meteoritical Bulletin Database – Oued El Hamim 001
• Meteoritical Society Classification Committee
• Official classification data for Oued El Hamim 001