Dhofar 733

Oman

Found 2002 November 12

Lunar meteorite (anorthositic granulitic breccia)

A brownish grey stone weighing 98 g was found in the Dhofar region of Oman. Mineralogy and classification (S. Demidova, Vernad; G. Kurat, NHMV): fusion crust is absent; the rock contains relics of mineral and lithic clasts and shows granoblastic or poikiloblastic textures; anorthositic, troctolitic and gabbro-noritic lithologies are present. Mineral compositions: feldspar, An89–96; orthopyroxene, Wo4–5En73–76; clinopyroxene, Wo36–40En48–52; olivine, Fo71–76 (Fe/Mn ≈ 87 at). Accessory minerals are armalcolite, ilmenite, Al-chromite, Ca-phosphate, troilite, and FeNi metal (31–43 wt% Ni; 1.3–1.7 wt% Co); lath-shaped armalcolite is most common; the stone is moderately weathered; smectite, gypsum, and Fe hydroxides are present. Dho 733 was found far away from other lunar stones collected in the Dhofar region and has a distinctly different texture. It is probably not paired with any other Dhofar lunar finds known so far. Specimens: type specimens of 20 g, and a thin section, Vernad; main mass with anonymous finder.