Anorthosites and the early stages of the evolution of the earth and moon

Consideration is given to types of terrestrial anorthosite massifs, a petrochemical classification of anorthosites, and the origin of Precambrian anorthosites. Terrestrial anorthosites of the anorthosite-gabbro-norite type are compared with ANT-group lunar anorthosites in order to investigate the early stages of the evolution of the earth and moon. It is concluded that the early evolution of both bodies was characterized by the formation of high-alumina magmas. However, owing to a number of differences between the two bodies, (different pressure gradients, heat release rates, fluid conditions, etc.), the high-alumina magmas yielded different magmatic products.