Feldspathic lunar meteorite
A feldspathic lunar meteorite is a Moon rock rich in plagioclase feldspar, coming from the lunar highlands.
A feldspathic lunar meteorite is a lunar meteorite dominated by plagioclase feldspar, typically containing about 25 to 30 per cent aluminium oxide. Most are breccias of highland rock, especially anorthosite, mixed with impact melt and glass. They are pale grey to white inside, often with a dark fusion crust.
They make up the largest share of lunar meteorites. ALH A81005, found in Antarctica in 1982 and recognised as lunar in 1983, was the first meteorite identified as coming from the Moon, and it is feldspathic. Since then, many have been recovered from Antarctica and hot deserts.
Feldspathic lunar meteorites are thought to come mainly from the highlands, much of it far from the Apollo landing sites, including the far side. Many contain less thorium and iron than typical Apollo highland samples, which supports the view that the Apollo sites were near an unusual region rich in KREEP and that the true lunar crust is more feldspathic.
Related terms
Level: Enthusiast Teens and adults