Chang’e-6 returned the first lunar samples from the far side: 1,935.3 grams collected in the southern Apollo basin, within the vast South Pole–Aitken basin. Its basalt and non-basalt fragments give scientists new material to compare with nearside Apollo and Chang’e-5 samples—but the missions sampled different places and rocks, so they are not a controlled near-side-versus-far-side experiment.
What did Chang’e-6 bring back, and where did it come from?
China’s Chang’e-6 mission collected lunar material by scooping and drilling on 25 June 2024. Its returned 1,935.3 grams came from the southern Apollo basin, a smaller basin within the South Pole–Aitken basin on the lunar far side. The mission’s distinguishing contribution is geographic: Apollo and Chang’e-5 returned material from nearside sites, while Chang’e-6 provided the first samples collected and returned from the far side.
The haul is not one uniform rock. Initial characterization found mare basalt, breccia, agglutinate, glass and leucocratic fragments. Mare basalt records volcanic activity; the other materials can preserve evidence of impacts, surface processing or crustal rocks. A fragment’s presence in the collection does not by itself establish that it formed at the landing site: some material may have been transported there by impacts.
How do the three sample sets compare?
| Sample set | Provenance and age context | What scientists can investigate |
|---|---|---|
| Chang’e-6 | Farside Apollo basin, within South Pole–Aitken. Studied basalt ages are about 2.82–2.83 billion years. | Farside volcanism, basalt chemistry, non-basalt components and the geological context of a large impact basin. |
| Apollo | Multiple nearside landing sites; the collection includes materials from different places and ages. Apollo low-titanium basalt is a specific compositional comparison in a Chang’e-6 study. | Variation among sampled nearside volcanic materials and comparison of particular Apollo basalt compositions with farside basalt. |
| Chang’e-5 | Nearside samples. The landing region’s volcanism is estimated at about 2.0 billion years old. | A younger nearside mare-volcanism comparison for Chang’e-6’s older studied basalt. |
The comparison is valuable because the samples add geological settings and ages to the material available for laboratory study. It cannot isolate a single cause for any difference: location, age, rock type, collection and analytical methods can all matter.
#1 Best Overall
- AUTHENTIC REPLICA: Intricately detailed miniature model of the Dome of the Rock featuring gold-toned dome with crescent moon finial and green octagonal base showcasing Islamic architectural elements
- PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION: Crafted with metallic gold and green finishes on a transparent glass octagonal base that provides stability and elegant display presentation
- DECORATIVE CENTREPIECE: Perfect for display on coffee tables, bookshelves, office desks, or as a meaningful decorative accent in living rooms, studies, and prayer spaces
- CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: Represents one of the most iconic landmarks in Islamic architecture, making it an ideal gift for religious occasions, housewarmings, or cultural celebrations
- COMPACT SIZE: Thoughtfully proportioned decorative sculpture that fits beautifully in various spaces without overwhelming your décor while maintaining impressive architectural detail
What do the Chang’e-6 ages tell us?
Two studies place the sampled basalt near 2.8 billion years
A 2024 Science paper reported an age of 2,830 ± 5 million years for Chang’e-6 basalt using lead-lead and rubidium-strontium dating. A separate study reported 2,823.0 ± 5.9 million years in 2025. These are distinct results from different analyses, not two measurements that should be collapsed into a single exact age. A Nature paper also described farside volcanism 2.8 billion years ago and characterized its dated material as an old returned high-aluminium basalt.
Chang’e-5 supplies a younger comparison, not an “Apollo age”
The Chang’e-5 landing region is estimated to be about 2.0 billion years old, according to research context summarized in a 2025 paper. That figure describes the estimated age of a geological region, not a laboratory-dated Chang’e-6 rock. It offers a younger nearside volcanic comparison to the older Chang’e-6 basalt. Apollo samples come from multiple sites and span different ages, so there is no single age that represents the Apollo collection as a whole.
Rank #2
- This is a REPLICA coin.Made of Copper,Plated with 925 sterling silver. It is not a tradable silver coin, but it is worth your permanent collection.
- Our COPY coin has Exquisite workmanship, Amazing details,High-quality Material, Bring you a perfect feel, Experience the historical value and charm of silver coins.
- Diameter measures 1.5 inches.
What can scientists learn by comparing basalt chemistry?
One analyzed Chang’e-6 basalt resembles low-titanium basalt previously collected by Apollo. Comparing such rocks lets researchers examine how volcanic materials from distinct lunar regions relate and test ideas about the Moon’s volcanic history and mantle sources.
The result is specific: it concerns an analyzed Chang’e-6 basalt and a particular Apollo basalt category. It does not show that every far-side basalt resembles Apollo material, or that Apollo basalts are all alike. More samples and analyses are needed to distinguish local variation from broader patterns.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #3
- Crystal Point Size: Crystals' length ranges from 1.38 to 2.17"; its width ranges from 0.47 to 0.98". The stone weighs about 14 to 30g. Note: The wands may have natural scratches or damages on the surface of the crystal wands since the natural stone was cut then polished treated. Besides, due to the natural material used, each crystal may slightly vary in color or shape.
- Moon Phrase Engraved Wands: Every moon stage has its own spiritual significance, so we can work simultaneously with every moon phase to continue on your life path with ease. The moon phase engraved crystals can help you navigate through these lunar energies and serve as a reminder to notice if you're going in the wrong direction. Making some challenges, changes, wishes in a new moon or full moon would be easier to reach.
- Degaussing Pocket Stones: The handcarved crystal wand with a decent size is suitable to hold in hand or to put in your pocket. In addition, our crystal figurine has been degaussed and cleared the bad memories. Carry a crystal wand in the pocket as an energy grid stone for your body, bringing you good luck and protection and even relieving your anxiety. You can hold it in your hand during meditation to benefit from its positive energy and get a focused and peaceful mind.
- Powerful & Handcarved Crystal Wand: The rock crystal has the strong ability to balance the chakras, keep still minds, and create positive emotions. It also helps to strengthen concentration and memory, which is suitable for brain workers. Placing the rock crystal around you would gradually make your mind quiet and pure, purify the surrounding energy and the negative energy, brings good luck. So rock crystal has the role of clearing evil spirits.
- Gorgeous & Multifunctional Crystals: The delicate crystal stone with highly skilled and magical are perfect for chakras balance, reiki or meditation practice, home or office decor, and even a special gift choice. Because every print is hand-carved and polished from a natural material, every piece is of uniqueness and the beauty of nature. The stone comes with our “rockcloud” branded gift pouch, always ready for gift giving.
Why do Chang’e-6’s non-basalt fragments matter?
Basalt dominates the studied shoveled material, but a 2025 analysis estimated that its particular sample consisted of approximately 93.5% mare basalt and 6.5% exotic non-mare components. Those proportions apply to the material studied, not automatically to all 1,935.3 grams returned by the mission.
The non-basalt fragments may help scientists investigate highland crust or products of the impacts that shaped the Apollo and South Pole–Aitken basins. Their origin cannot be assumed from appearance or collection location alone; researchers must analyze them to determine what they are and where they may have formed.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- LABEL WEA
- 180 GRAM VINYL RECORD - LP - SEALED
- Cut from analogue masters. Original artwork
- TRACK LISTING
- 1. See No Evil
Rank #4
- AUTHENTIC REPLICA: Intricately detailed miniature model of the Dome of the Rock featuring gold-toned dome with crescent moon finial and green octagonal base showcasing Islamic architectural elements
- PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION: Crafted with metallic gold and green finishes on a transparent glass octagonal base that provides stability and elegant display presentation
- DECORATIVE CENTREPIECE: Perfect for display on coffee tables, bookshelves, office desks, or as a meaningful decorative accent in living rooms, studies, and prayer spaces
- CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: Represents one of the most iconic landmarks in Islamic architecture, making it an ideal gift for religious occasions, housewarmings, or cultural celebrations
- COMPACT SIZE: Thoughtfully proportioned decorative sculpture that fits beautifully in various spaces without overwhelming your décor while maintaining impressive architectural detail
What the comparison can—and cannot—establish
- It adds a far-side laboratory sample. Scientists can study returned material from a region that had not previously supplied lunar samples.
- It adds an older basalt comparison to Chang’e-5. Chang’e-6’s studied basalt is about 2.82–2.83 billion years old, while the Chang’e-5 landing region’s volcanism is estimated at about 2.0 billion years.
- It enables specific chemical comparisons. One Chang’e-6 basalt resembles Apollo low-titanium basalt, but that does not characterize every rock from either mission.
- It includes more than volcanic rock. Non-basalt fragments may preserve clues to crustal material and impact history, although their source needs to be established analytically.
- It does not by itself explain a global hemispheric difference. The missions sampled distinct sites and sample sets, so observed differences cannot automatically be attributed to the Moon’s near side and far side as a whole.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
