BOSTON, MASS.- An extremely rare lunar meteorite sold for $612,500 according to Boston-based RR Auction.

The meteorite was discovered in a remote area of Mauritania, in the deserts of Northwest Africa in 2017. The meteorite is classified as NWA 11789, lunar feldspathic breccia, unofficially known as ‘Buagaba’ or ‘The Moon Puzzle.’ It is comprised of six fragments that fit together, puzzle-like, to form a mass weighing very nearly 5.5 kg (12 pounds). With partial fusion crust visible on one side, it is a brand new classification and the largest known, complete lunar puzzle. Without a doubt, one of the most important meteorites available for acquisition anywhere in the world today and, perhaps, the most significant example of our nearest celestial neighbor ever offered for sale in the history of meteorite science.

“The winning bid came from a representative working with the Tam Chuc Pagoda Complex, located in Ha Nam Province, Vietnam," said Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction. “We are extremely happy and thrilled that this magnificent lunar meteorite will be proudly displayed at this beautiful facility — and this “Moon Puzzle" will certainly inspire students of science for generations to come."

Highlights from the sale include, but are not limited by:

• Dave Scott's flown Apollo 15 Lunar Landmark Maps book carried to the moon during the Apollo 15 mission sold for $74,182.

• Northwest Africa (NWA) 8022 lunar meteorite slice, comprised of lunar feldspathic breccia sold for $45,987.

• Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin letter written just three weeks before the launch of Apollo 11, where Armstrong contemplates what he will say upon stepping onto the moon sold for $30,318.

• Gordon Cooper’s Mercury-era journal sold for $28,658.

• Saturn Launch Vehicle digital computer memory module sold for $26,271.

• Apollo 11 crew signed photograph of the Apollo 11 astronauts in front of the Lunar Module sold for $8,892.

The Space Exploration Auction from RR Auction began on October 11 and concluded on October 18.