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Thursday, October 1, 2026 · UTC
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Chang'e-6 samples yield first natural lunar detection of γ-Fe iron phase

Researchers identified the high-temperature iron form preserved in lunar impact glass, in findings released 28 September 2026.

Luisa Marconi
Senior Space Correspondent
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Lunar sample yields new iron discovery
Lunar sample yields new iron discovery AI illustrationhow this picture was made
Researchers working with Chang'e-6 lunar soil samples have detected a form of iron never before found in natural lunar material. [2] The phase, face-centered cubic γ-Fe, is normally stable only at high temperatures. It was preserved in lunar impact glass via rapid cooling, trace carbon content and the surrounding glass matrix. [3] This detection comes after the Chang'e 5 mission identified two previously unknown minerals on the Moon. Analysis of returned lunar samples continues to expand knowledge of lunar geology and formation. [1]
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  1. The Chang'e 5 mission identified two previously unknown minerals on the Moon, expanding knowledge of lunar geology and formation. · Perfil
  2. Researchers led by Du Haifeng of the Chinese Academy of Sciences identified face-centered cubic γ-Fe in Chang'e-6 lunar soil samples, the first detection of this iron phase in natural lunar material. · Phys.org
  3. γ-Fe is normally only stable at high temperatures, but was preserved in lunar impact glass via rapid cooling, trace carbon content, and the surrounding glass matrix. · Phys.org
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