Scientists Unveil Mysterious Origins of Earth’s Largest Igneous Rocks

A geochemistry study led by Rice advances our understanding of ancient rock formations.
A team of researchers has advanced our understanding of massif-type anorthosites, mysterious rocks that formed exclusively during Earth’s middle history. These igneous formations, rich in plagioclase and spanning up to 42,000 square kilometers, have long intrigued scientists, especially because they host titanium ore deposits. For decades, their origins have been debated due to conflicting theories, but this new research sheds light on the processes behind their formation.