Anorthite -

: During the early cooling of the Moon, anorthite crystals were less dense than the surrounding basaltic magma. They floated to the surface, forming a thick crust of anorthosite (a rock composed of 90–100% plagioclase).

Anorthite ( ) is the calcium-rich end-member of the series. While it is a primary rock-forming mineral that is relatively rare in its pure form on Earth, it is a dominant component of the lunar highlands . 1. Composition and Physical Properties anorthite

: Researchers use anorthite grains from lunar samples (like those from the Chang’e-5 mission) to study how meteorite impacts and solar wind alter planetary surfaces over time. : During the early cooling of the Moon,

ceramic components in high-temperature environments, maintaining strength up to Anorthite ( An90−100cap A n sub 90 minus 100 end-sub An0−10cap A n sub 0 minus 10 end-sub Primary Cation Common Origin High-temperature magmas, Moon Low-temperature magmas, Earth's crust Density Slightly higher Slightly lower Primary Rock Anorthosite, Gabbro Granite, Rhyolite While it is a primary rock-forming mineral that

: Highly porous anorthite ceramics are used as "green" materials for thermal insulation, sound absorption, and as catalyst carriers.

: Special anorthite-based glass-ceramics are used for joining SiCcap S i cap C