Structural studies of tranquillityite and related synthetic phases.
Abstract
Tranquillityite, Fe8(2+)Zr2Ti3Si3O24, which also contains minor amounts of Ca, Al, Mn, Cr, Nb, REE, Hf, and U, occurs in association with late-stage interstitial phases in both mare and non-mare basalts from all Apollo sites. In its natural state it is metamict and does not give an X-ray diffraction pattern. Reconstitution of the structure was carried out in both air and vacuum and the reconstituted mineral was studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. It was found to have a fluorite-related structure. Attempts to synthesize tranquillityite in the laboratory are described. A structure determination for a related MnZrTi-silicate synthetic phase was carried out and its possible relationship to the tranquillityite structure is discussed.
- Publication:
-
Lunar and Planetary Science Conference Proceedings
- Pub Date:
- 1977
- Bibcode:
- 1977LPSC....8.1831G
- Keywords:
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- Crystal Structure;
- Lunar Composition;
- Lunar Flight;
- Lunar Rocks;
- Silicates;
- Basalt;
- Single Crystals;
- Synthesis;
- X Ray Diffraction;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration