Which iron-titanium oxide mineral contributes to the dark character of mare basalts?
Answer
Ilmenite
The dark, dense character of the mare basalts is influenced by several iron-bearing minerals. Specifically, ilmenite is identified as a significant iron-titanium oxide mineral present in these rocks. While pyroxene and olivine are the primary dark silicates, ilmenite adds substantially to the overall dark appearance and density of the basaltic material that flooded the impact basins. This mineral composition emphasizes the iron-rich nature of the magma that welled up from beneath the crust during this resurfacing period.
Related Questions
What is the key constituent defining the material of the lunar maria?What minerals high in iron and magnesium cause the maria's darker color?What rock type dominates the lighter-hued lunar highlands?Lunar basalts are notably characterized as being what, unlike many terrestrial basalts?Which mineral is the lunar highlands rock anorthosite rich in?What property allowed basaltic lava to spread across vast distances to form the maria?Which iron-titanium oxide mineral contributes to the dark character of mare basalts?What did early astronomers mistakenly believe the lunar maria were?The maria formed when basaltic lava flowed into and filled what features?What chemical content dictates the contrast between mafic mare basalts and felsic highland material?