Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
Lunar anorthositic regolith breccia
61.2, 662.5 g
Found January 13, 1989
4.0 × 4.5 × 2.5; 11.0 × 7.0 × 6.5 cm
Weathering = A/Be
Anorthositic portions of the Moon are found in the lunar highlands, or
the rough mountainous regions between the smoother mare. These are
some of the oldest portions of the Moon but were sampled extensively by
only a few of the
Apollo
missions. Additional samples of the highlands
can provide better and more comprehensive understanding of the geologic
history of this fundamental provenance on the Moon.
Lunar anorthositic meteorites &
ferroan anorthosites (FAN)
100
A
Mg-norites: 15445, 15455, 67667, 73255 & 78235
90
Mg-SU/TE
10
80
70
60
MAC88105,41
MAC88105,55
Y86032,75
Y86032,101
1
Ferroan
anorthosites
50
= Fo in olivine
= MG# in pyroxene
FAN: 60025, 62236, 67016 & 67215
40
0.1
30
80
La
Ce
Nd
Sm Eu
Tb Dy Ho
Yb Lu
85
90
95
100
REE ionic radii
Plag. An
Plate 68
MiNERALogy
SigNiFiCANCE
The modal mineralogy of MAC 88105 is dominated by
lithic clasts of mafic and feldspathic melt breccias, mafic
and feldspathic rocks, and granulites (75%-80%), mineral
fragments (15%-20%), and minor glass veins and clasts.
MAC 88105 contains ancient ferroan anorthosite (FAN)
clasts (left [529] and right [527]) and is a mature regolith
breccia. it was one of the first meteorites of this kind
found and documented in detail to allow comparison to
Apollo
samples.
References [517-536]
