, which is less dense than many other silicate minerals like olivine or pyroxene.
Anorthite is characterized by a three-dimensional network structure of SiO4cap S i cap O sub 4 AlO4cap A l cap O sub 4 tetrahedra. :
Beyond its role in geology, anorthite has significant utility in manufacturing and high-tech research: anorthite
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
: Approximately 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, often used to distinguish it from softer minerals like marble or quartzite. Density : Approximately , which is less dense than many other
: Typically white, grey, or colorless; can also appear yellowish or reddish.
Anorthite is central to the "Magma Ocean" theory of lunar formation. While it is a primary rock-forming mineral that
: Special anorthite-based glass-ceramics are used for joining SiCcap S i cap C