| Abstract: | Abstract— Fifty-eight lunar rocks have been analysed by prompt gamma neutron activation for B, Gd and Sm. The data were interpreted together with published analyses for Li and other elements. The behaviour of B in lunar rocks is virtually identical to that of Sm, Gd, Li and the other incompatible LIL (Large Ion Lithophile) and HFS (High Field Strength) elements, collectively known as the KREEP component. To a first approximation, the distribution of B concentrations in all lunar rocks can be described as a two-component mixture of KREEP, with ～32 ppm, and B-free mare basalts and anorthositic rocks. The lunar B abundance, estimated from correlations with other KREEP elements, is ～0.14 ppm. Alpha-track images of the analysed lunar rocks were made from thin sections specially prepared to avoid contamination from terrestrial B. They provided surprising evidence that the distributions of B and Li within individual rocks fall into four categories: (1) substitution in mineral structures; (2) in irregular minute particles, disseminated through the rock with no apparent connection with mineralogy; (3) as aggregate properties of rock fragments, acquired prior to assembly in a breccia; and, (4) as aggregate properties of a breccia matrix, distinct from unaffected clasts. Only category (1) is encountered in terrestrial rocks. Categories (2), (3) and (4) become progressively more important as the abundance of KREEP components increases, and it is concluded that the alpha-track images probably show the localisation of not only B and Li but all the KREEP elements. In terrestrial rocks, such textures could be understood in terms of successive episodes of permeation by solutions followed by brecciation, then cementation. It is difficult to adapt such a mechanism to a dry Moon, with brecciation imposed by impact melting. The linear correlation of lunar B and Gd contrasts strongly with the relationship seen in terrestrial rocks, where the presence of water creates a terrestrial B cycle quite different from that of Gd and other lunar incompatible elements. |
