Mare basalts: Crystal chemistry, mineralogy, and petrology

TLDR: In this article, a synthesis of the major-element chemistry, petrography, mineral chemistry, and crystal chemistry of the mare basalts returned by Apollo and Luna missions is presented.

Abstract: The paper attempts a synthesis of the major-element chemistry, petrography, mineral chemistry, and crystal chemistry of the mare basalts returned by Apollo and Luna missions A classification of the mare basalts based on major-element chemistry is given, and textural sequences within each major-element group are identified The mineral chemistry and crystal chemistry of each mineral group are considered within the framework of the major-element groups and the textural sequences The various classes of models for the origin of the mare basalts and the nature of their source regions are discussed in the context of the major- and trace-element chemistries and experimental investigations