Touat 005 is a rare and visually spectacular lunar meteorite — a feldspathic breccia recovered in 2020 from the Adrar region of Algeria (27.747°N, -1.370°W). Two stones totaling 3.71 kg were found together by meteorite hunters traveling between Tabelbala and the Erg Chech 002 locality. The main masses are held by Mark Lyon; type specimen (25.8g) is on deposit at the University of New Mexico.
This specimen is a polished slice weighing 8.25 grams, measuring 65 × 52 × 2 mm. The slice showcases the defining feature of Touat 005: large, sometimes euhedral anorthite megacrysts up to 2 cm in length that become translucent and luminous when backlit — a breathtaking visual effect unique to this meteorite. The dark shocked matrix contrasts dramatically with the white plagioclase clasts and lithic fragments. Shock melt veins with vesicles are visible under magnification.
