Lunar plagioclase - A mineralogical study.

Abstract

Mineralogical properties of calcic plagioclase have been analyzed using U-stage, microprobe, X-ray precession cameras, and a 650-kV electron microscope. The orientation of the optical indicatrix in lunar and eucrite anorthites is described with Euler angles. All crystals, except one, show strong b- and diffuse c-reflections in precession photographs. In 10017, b-split-reflections have been found. Dark-field electron micrographs of 14310 anorthite show both large and small b-antiphase domains, and an exsolution structure in crystals that display b-split reflections in the diffractogram. Diffuseness of c-reflections in X-ray photographs and the inability to resolve c-domains in electron micrographs in An 94 anorthite of 14310 indicate relatively rapid cooling of this rock compared to plutonic rocks.