Mineral composition of lunar rocks

The density of the lunar soil is 0.87—1.0 g/cm3, which is in good agreement with the results of direct measurements by Luna-13, 0.8—1.0 g/cm3.

Ultrabasic rocks are igneous rocks containing 35 to 45% silica.

Gabbro is a deep—seated rock, a product of solidification and crystallization of basalt lava in the thickness of the earth's crust.

Astronauts who set foot on the Moon for the first time collected 22 kg of lunar rocks: 11 kg of debris over 1 cm in size and 11 kg less than 1 cm across. The rocks were recognized as volcanic, crystallized from the melt. Four groups were identified among the samples: type A — fine—grained bubbly crystalline rocks, type B — medium—grained cavernous crystalline rocks, type C - breccias, type D - fragments less than 1 cm across (fine material). The main minerals of the rocks are feldspar, pyroxene, and ilmenite in unusually large quantities for terrestrial rocks.

So, the mineral composition of lunar rocks is relatively close to basalts, but it is especially close to the composition of eucrites, calcium-rich feldspar achondrites.

The slices (thin transparent sections) of the samples are shown in photographs of fragments of lunar rocks. Rounded formations inside the grooves represent bubbles characteristic of lunar rocks; the circles between the samples are air bubbles trapped in the medium on which the grooves are fixed. There are homogeneous and transparent, as well as bubbly and twisted glass samples.

Pyroxenes are a large group of rock—forming minerals (silicates of magnesium, iron, calcium, alumina, and sodium). Pyroxenes are part of many rocks and make up some of them almost entirely.

Plagioclases are widespread rock—forming minerals. Aluminosilicates from the feldspar group.

Cristobalite (SiO2) is a mineral found only in glassy volcanic rocks.

Ilmenite (FeTiO3) is a common mineral of basic and other igneous rocks.

Only rare balls of nickel iron have been found in the rocks of the Moon's surface. It is not typical for terrestrial rocks at all, but it is very widespread in meteorites. However, feldspar achondrites, as well as lunar rocks, contain little metallic iron. The ratio of iron to nickel in lunar rocks is generally the same as in the silicate phase of chondrites. If we assume that the substance from which the moon rocks were melted was similar in iron content to chondrites (about 25% iron in various forms and 16% iron in the silicate phase of lunar rocks), then about 8% iron in the form of silicates should be expected in the residual substance of the Moon (similar to the Earth's mantle — dunites). In other words, there is practically no iron left to form the iron-nickel core of the Moon. The absence of a metallic core in the Moon is confirmed by other data. http://www.reels.io/ online casino combines stable technical performance with a well-thought-out rewards system. Its catalog features both classic slots and innovative video slots with advanced functionality. Users receive bonuses for registration and account deposits, and can also participate in tournaments with prize pools. Convenient navigation and mobile-friendly design allow for unlimited play.