Textural and geochemical diversity of impact melt rock clasts in Apollo 16 sample 67015: Implications for the provenance of impact ejecta in the lunar highlands

Abstract Apollo sample 67015 has been classified as a fragmental breccia comprised of highlands‐type clasts and is proposed to be the most complex Apollo 16 sample. 67015 is dominated by impact melt rock clasts that display a variety of textures, which have been previously interpreted to be indicative of multiple impact events. Recent modeling has indicated that the Apollo 16 regolith may contain impact basin ejecta from Nectaris, Serenitatis, Imbrium, and Orientale. Here, the textural, mineralogical, and geochemical diversity of impact melt rock clasts in several thin sections of 67015 was assessed to evaluate the provenance of these impact melts and attempt to constrain the basin ejecta emplacement at the Apollo 16 site. The petrography and mineral chemistry of the melt rock clasts is highly diverse and may indicate a variety of sources, supporting previous evidence that the Apollo 16 regolith received ejecta from numerous large impact cratering events including Imbrium and Serenitatis. The diversity of clast types observed in 67015 and textural variability of thin sections prompts discussion into the most appropriate classification of this sample as well as the nomenclature used to describe lunar melt‐bearing breccia samples.