Origin of sulfide replacement textures in lunar breccias. Implications for vapor element transport in the lunar crust

Based on our observations, it appears that the model suggested by Norman et al. (1995) is the most appropriate for the origin of the troilite veining and troilite-pyroxene pseudomorphs after olivine. Our data add significant definition to this model. This process occurs in the relatively shallow lunar crust on a scale that involves vapor interaction with multiple plutonic lithologies of various ages and compositions. These reactions occur at distinct conditions of fS2, fO2, and temperature. The reacting vapor is S-rich, and perhaps low in H. The reduction of the oxides in the clasts was not a product of H-streaming as has been suggested for similar textures in lunar rocks, but more likely related to “S-streaming”. These vapors had the capability to transport chalcophile-siderophile elements. However, a proportion of the minor elements making up the troilite (Fe, Ni, Co) did come directly from the olivine being replaced. Further, there is evidence to suggest minor mobility of Mg from the olivine pseudomorphs into the adjacent pyroxene. One of the heat sources driving the transport of elements is closely tied to the emplacement of magmas into the shallow lunar crust. These intrusions were either the source for the S or provided heat to remobilized troilite already in the lunar crust. The process that drove the derivation of the S-rich volatiles was instrumental in fractionating the isotopic composition of S. The enrichment of S32 in the vapor phase may be attributed to either the stable S species during degassing (COS, S2 and CS2) or the high-temperature partial breakdown of troilite in the shallow crust.