Lunar meteorite Gadamids 003 – Libya
Type: Lunar / Anorth
Locality: Ghadamis, Libya
Weight: 0,93g
Dimensions: 18 x 13 x 2 mm
Year found: 2021
Total known weight: 1270 g
Surface treatment: none – raw
Packaging: Transparent plastic box (5,8 x 3,8 x 1,6 cm)
| Category: | Gadamis 003 |
|---|---|
| By name: | Gadamis 003 |
| ? Type: | Stony |
| Subspecies: | Achondrite |
| ? Surface treatment: | Cut |
| Packaging: | In box |
| ? Origin: | Moon |
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Lunar Meteorite Gadamis 003 – Ferroan Anorthosite from the Moon's Crust
Gadamis 003 is a lunar meteorite classified as a ferroan anorthosite with cataclastic texture. This type of rock is rich in iron-bearing plagioclase (anorthite) and has undergone extreme mechanical stress that fragmented it into a mosaic-like structure. The cataclastic texture results from impact events, a common feature of rocks from the lunar highlands.
Discovery and Basic Characteristics
Meteorite Gadamis 003 was discovered in 2021 near the town of Ghadames in Libya. The total mass was 1,270 grams, split into two stones weighing 670 g and 600 g. The surface of the fragments is pale green with visible darker patches of fusion crust formed during atmospheric entry.
Mineralogy and Similarity to Lunar Samples
Analysis revealed the meteorite is composed of 98–99% anorthitic plagioclase, with olivine and pyroxene making up only 1–2% of the volume. This indicates it is a fragment of the lunar crust, likely ejected during an asteroid impact. The structure closely resembles samples from Apollo 16 missions.
Paired Meteorites and Original Impact
Gadamis 003 belongs to a group of meteorites found in the area, including Gadamis 002, 004, 005, and 006. Scientists believe these originated from the same impact event on the Moon and fell to Earth as fragments of a larger body.