Matrix characteristics and origin of lunar breccia samples no. 12034 and 12073

The transmission electron microscope was used to investigate the nature of the matrix in two samples of lunar breccia. This matrix is composed largely of tiny (0.5 microns) grains of unaltered glass which are plastically fitted against one another, and tightly welded to the clastic fragments with which they are in contact. The breccias have an open framework of angular clastic particles composed mainly of anorthositic, basaltic and glassy fragments. Most of the anorthositic fragments have been shock metamorphosed. Over half of the glassy clasts, and also the former diaplectic glass particles produced from shocked plagioclase, were partly or wholly devitrified before inclusion in the present breccias. It is concluded that each breccia was deposited from a hot basesurge cloud of impact debris, and the tiny bits of glass in the matrix condensed from rock that was volatilized by the heat of major meteorite impact.