Overview
- Chinese researchers reported a previously unknown Moon mineral, which the International Mineralogical Association certified and named Magnesiochangesite-(Ce), bringing the global lunar mineral count to 11.
- Pakepake 005, the first lunar meteorite recovered in China, yielded the mineral; the 44-gram, near-spherical rock with a black fusion crust was found in the Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang in 2024.
- The mineral is a rare earth–bearing phosphate that is colourless, transparent, glassy, and brittle, with grains about 3 to 25 micrometres across and a strong glow under ultraviolet light.
- Scientists say its rare earth ratios and magnesium–iron makeup could reveal formation conditions on the Moon, and they plan lab work to reproduce its fluorescent behavior before any use is considered.
- With this certification, China now has four named lunar minerals, matching the United States, and the team credits a high‑resolution secondary ion mass spectrometer for pinpointing the mineral’s chemistry without damaging the tiny grains.