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Lunar "dunite", "pyroxenite" and "anorthosite"

January 1, 1972

Monomineralic aggregates of olivine, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene and plagioclase with granoblastic textures are widespread minor constituents of Apollo 14 breccias. Recrystallization is commonly incomplete within these aggregates, leaving relict material that clearly indicates single-mineral-grain sources for the aggregates. The aggregates are not, therefore, properly characterized by igneous rock names, nor can any conclusions regarding differentiation be drawn from them. Average sizes of the aggregates indicate source rocks with grain sizes mostly larger than 1 to 5 mm, a few clasts of which occur in the breccias; the proportions of the different types of aggregates suggest dominantly feldspathic source rocks.

Publication Year 1972
Title Lunar "dunite", "pyroxenite" and "anorthosite"
DOI 10.1016/0012-821X(72)90158-6
Authors H. G. Wilshire, E.D. Jackson
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Earth and Planetary Science Letters
Index ID 70009940
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse