Northwest Africa 5000 (NWA5000) lunar meteorite specimen known as the, “'Mini Monolith.” This extraordinary example features abundant lithologies in different shades of greyscale surrounded by black shock-darkened mantles that are thicker on the bottom due to cooling in the Moon’s gravity. Preferential orientation of the breccia mantles provides a shadow effect to flat surfaces. This specimen also contains numerous tiny metallic inclusions. It was custom cut into a monolith shape in order to exhibit one of the many unique features NWA5000 is most famous for; it’s three dimensional appearing clast-rich matrix.
Renowned for its beauty, the matrix looks like a black and white intaglio print of the universe rendered by a spirited yet masterful artist. This stone contains breccias within breccias, and the preferential orientation of clasts lends a unique 3-D appearance to flat surfaces. Generous amounts of shiny metal are present, adding yet another impressive element to nature’s artwork. NWA5000 is by far the most spectacular meteorite from the Moon, and has become legendary, establishing new benchmarks for excellence. It actually takes on the appearance of our nearest celestial neighbor unlike any other lunar meteorite in existence. One of the many monikers it has earned over the years in artistic terms is “The Mona Lisa of Moon Rocks.” NWA5000 is the first choice of Lunar X Prize Contenders, Billionaires, Museums, Royalty and Collectors everywhere, all of which have acquired major Northwest Africa 5000 specimens after considering all other offerings!
Highest rated lunar meteorite in existence with a near perfect 24.8 out of a possible 25 points - Space Science Consulting Services - Evaluated by Dr. T.E. Bunch who possesses a PhD in Space Science with 31 years research experience at NASA, Ames Research Center. Dr. Bunch has studied Apollo returned Moon rocks, published over 100 peer-reviewed meteorite related papers and has classified over 900 meteorites making him an absolute authority on the subject. He compared NWA5000, using five areas of criteria, to Moon rocks and all other significant lunar meteorites in the lunar depository and determined that none exceed a 21 rating firmly placing NWA5000 in the number one position with a solid 24.8.
This specimen was professionally prepared in an ultraclean environment using sterilized diamond-lined stainless steel blades and diamond embedded discs. A diamond lap polish was applied to all flat surfaces to the level where maximum contrast was achieved. Gloves and a mask were worn during preparation so this sample has never been directly in contact with human hands. You can be the first to touch its freshly prepared surfaces. This specimen is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from The Hupé Collection/Adam C. Hupé, who is documented as the original NWA5000 main mass holder in the Meteoritical Bulletin No. 93.
This outstanding example weighs 8.980 grams, measures 23 mm x 20 mm x 8 mm and possesses a high grade of 8. Most lunar meteorites do not even grade at a level of 1 for comparison.
Notes: There is simply too much information, history and accolades to discuss this legendary Moon rock in a single page so it was spread out over three descriptions. Please be sure to read the other two descriptions for additional information that equally applies to this offering.
