Published January 30, 1970 | Version public
Journal Article

^(18)O/^(16)O, ^(30)Si/^(28)Si, D/H, and ^(13)C/^(12)C Studies of Lunar Rocks and Minerals

Abstract

The δ ^(18)O of minerals from lunar gabbros and basalts are: plgioclases +6.06 to +6.33), pyroxenes (+5.70 to +5.95), and ilmenites (+3.85 to +4.12). The uniformity of these results indicates isotopic equilibrium in the mineral assemblages. Estimated plagioclase-ilmenite temperautres range from 1150°C to 1340°C. The bulk ^(18)/^(16)O and ^(30)Si/^(28)Si ratios of these lunar rocks are identical with ratios of terrestrial basalts, but the lunar glass, breccia, and dust are slightly enriched in the heavier isotopes. The lunar hydrogen (formed from solar wind) has a δ D/H of less than—873 per mil and the value may be even lower, as it is probably contaminated with terrestrial hydrogen. The δ ^(13)C of lunar dust and breccia is unusually high relative to reduced carbon in meteorites or on earth.

Additional Information

© 1970 American Association for the Advancement of Science. Thus research was supported by NASA. Some of the laboratory work was done by P. Yanagasawa. Publications of the Division of Geological Sciences, California Institute of Technology Contribution No. 1706.

Additional details

Identifiers

Eprint ID
62031
DOI
10.1126/science.167.3918.533
Resolver ID
CaltechAUTHORS:20151110-125926842

Funding

NASA

Dates

Created
2015-11-11
Created from EPrint's datestamp field
Updated
2021-11-10
Created from EPrint's last_modified field

Caltech Custom Metadata

Other Numbering System Name
Caltech Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences
Other Numbering System Identifier
1706