Lunar clinopyroxenes: Chemical composition, structural state, and texture

Abstract

Single-crystal x-ray diffraction, microprobe, optical and electron optical examinations of clinopyroxenes from Apollo 11 lunar samples 10003, 10047, 10050, and 10084 show that generally the crystals are composed of (001) augite-pigeonite intergrowths in varying ratios. Transmission electron micrographs reveal abundant exsolution lamellae, many only 60 Å thick. In addition to the phase inhomogeneities, primary chemical inhomogeneities are clearly demonstrated. There are reciprocal relationships between calcium and iron and between Ti 4+ + 2Al and R 2+ + 2Si. Our evidence suggests that a chemically inhomogeneous subcalcic C 2/ c augite was the only primary pyroxene from which pigeonite later exsolved.