Petrology of a fine-grained igneous rock from the sea of tranquillity.
All phases in a thin section of sample 10022 have been analyzed by electron microprobe. Augite grains show strong iron enrichment in the outer 15 to 20 microns. Pigeonite cores occur within augite grains. The plagioclase has an anorthite content of between 73 and 81 mole percent and is high in Si and low in Al compared to stoichiometric feldspar. Residual phases include microcrystalline Fe-rich "pyroxene," plagioclase, K-rich alkali feldspar, silica, and rare areas rich in P and Zr with concentrations of Ba, Y, and rare earth elements. The density, viscosity, and crystallization history of the lava of sample 10022 are discussed.
Weill
D F
DF
McCallum
I S
IS
Bottinga
Y
Y
Drake
M J
MJ
McKay
G A
GA