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Home / Art & Antiques / 2019 July 20 Nature & Science Signature Auction - Dallas Auction #5438 / Lot #72044
    LOT #72044  | 
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    NWA 12691 (Provisional) Lunar Sphere - The Moon in Miniature . Lunar (feldspathic breccia). Sahara Desert, Mauritania...

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    Meteorites:Lunar, NWA 12691 (Provisional) Lunar Sphere - The Moon in Miniature . Lunar (feldspathic breccia). Sahara Desert, Mauritania...
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    Description

    NWA 12691 (Provisional) Lunar Sphere - The Moon in Miniature
    Lunar (feldspathic breccia)
    Sahara Desert, Mauritania

    A large lunar strewn field was discovered in the border region of Mauritania and Algeria. Nearly 250 kg of lunar meteorites were recovered, which increases the total mass of all lunar meteorites known by nearly 100%. This bounty created the unique opportunity to fashion a limited number of lunar spheres of this particular lunar meteorite, NWA 12691 (provisionally numbered). Now offered is a sphere fashioned from a Moon rock that was forced off the surface of the Moon following an asteroid impact. Moon rocks are identified by specific textural, mineralogical, chemical and radiation signatures. In addition, many of the common minerals found on Earth's surface are rare or absent on the Moon-and some lunar minerals are unknown on Earth. As a further marker, gases contained in Moon rocks have a different isotope ratio than the same gases on Earth. This is a confirmed sample of the Moon as determined by Dr. Anthony Irving, the world's foremost classifier of lunar and Martian meteorites. If you were to take every lunar meteorite known, they would not exceed the volume of a queen-size bed. Not one milligram of Apollo material is available for private ownership. Most significantly, very few lunar spheres will exist. They should only be rendered in this material as it is relatively plentiful, and it's impossible to know if and when another lunar meteorite strewn field of this size will exist to facilitate the fabrication of additional spheres. The reason why one must practice conservation in sphere-making is due to the amount of material lost in the cutting and grinding process. Only because there is so much NWA 12691 does the opportunity for making spheres possible. This lunar sphere is composed of lunar feldspathic breccia - different fragments of rocks and minerals, featuring white anorthite which is rare on Earth. All breccias, whether they be on the Moon or Earth are blended and fused together by melt rock-in this case, from fragments that are part of the surface of the Moon.
    Overall Measurements: 1.33 inches (3.38 cm) in diameter, weighs 56.4 grams

    Condition Report*: Condition report available upon request.
    *Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.

    Auction Info

    Auction Dates
    July, 2019
    20th Saturday
    Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
    Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
    Page Views: 1,814

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