Chang’e-6 Mission Discovers Iron Oxide Crystals on the Moon

China’s Chang’e-6 lunar mission has produced a major scientific breakthrough with the discovery of tiny iron oxide crystals in lunar soil. The finding challenges long-held assumptions about the Moon’s chemical environment and offers new clues about its ancient geological history.

First Evidence of Oxidised Minerals on the Moon

Researchers analysing samples brought back from the South Pole–Aitken Basin identified micrometre-sized particles of hematite and maghemite. These oxidised minerals were previously believed to be unlikely on the Moon due to its highly reducing surface conditions. Their presence provides direct evidence that oxidising processes have occurred in certain lunar regions.

Origins Linked to Ancient Impact Events

Scientific analysis suggests that massive impact events may have generated temporary oxygen-rich vapour atmospheres. As these vapours cooled, they triggered vapour-phase deposition, producing fine hematite crystals. The study also notes the appearance of intermediate minerals such as magnetite and maghemite, which may be connected to magnetic anomalies detected around the South Pole–Aitken Basin.

Insights into Lunar Evolution and Composition

The discovery reshapes current understanding of lunar chemistry by demonstrating that highly oxidised minerals can form under specific impact-driven conditions. It also enhances scientific interpretation of magnetic signatures recorded across the Moon’s crust. The findings are expected to influence future lunar exploration missions, including the selection of landing sites and sampling strategies.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Hematite and maghemite were detected in samples from the South Pole–Aitken Basin.
• The South Pole–Aitken Basin is the oldest and largest known impact zone in the Solar System.
• Iron oxide formation is linked to oxygen-rich vapour created by massive impacts.
• Chang’e-6 returned deep-region samples to Earth in 2024.

Significance of the South Pole–Aitken Basin Samples

The basin’s immense depth and ancient origin make it a key site for studying rare geological processes. By retrieving material from this region, Chang’e-6 enabled scientists to examine previously inaccessible lunar layers, deepening global understanding of the Moon’s formation, evolution, and long-term response to colossal impact events.