Diffraction and Mössbauer Studies of Minerals from Lunar Soils and Rocks

Abstract

Constituents of lunar soils and rocks were studied by powder and singlecrystal x-ray diffraction. In addition to identification of minerals, including rare amphibole, mica, and aragonite, a detailed study of the important rock-forming minerals of the plagioclase, pyroxene, and olivine groups has begun. Mössbauer spectra were recorded from lunar soils, ground rock samples, and separates of iron-bearing minerals. The proportions of iron-bearing minerals were estimated from computer-fitted areas for the bulk samples. The Fe(2+) in the lower-density fraction of pyroxene was ordered, whereas that of the higher-density fraction was disordered.