136k views
1 vote
What mineral represents the calcium endmember of the plagioclase series?

a. Albite
b. Microcline
c. Fayellite
d. Anorthite
e. Calcite

User Honzas
by
8.6k points

1 Answer

1 vote

Final answer:

Anorthite is the mineral that represents the calcium endmember of the plagioclase series found in mafic igneous rocks and lunar rocks.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mineral that represents the calcium endmember of the plagioclase series is anorthite. In the plagioclase feldspar series, anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8) is the calcium-rich endmember, while albite (NaAlSi3O8) is the sodium-rich endmember. The series is a solid solution and the minerals vary in composition between these two endmembers. Anorthite is found in mafic igneous rocks and is a common component of lunar rocks.

User Kraz
by
7.9k points