Abstract

In this work we report data from LA-ICP-MS analyses of 7 bentonite samples from the Eastern Rhodopes as three of the samples come from two bentonite deposits – Zlatna Livada and Propast-Dobrovolets. The obtained results show no significant accumulation of trace elements in the studied samples. Their overall chemical composition is strongly influenced by the volcanic glass chemistry, the presence and abundance of magmatic minerals and lithic clasts and to lesser extent by secondary authigenic mineral associations. Respectively, their trace element signature is similar to that of the unaltered extension-related orogenic volcanic rocks in the Eastern Rhodopes. No correlation between any of the trace elements measured and the relative montmorillonite abundance (in samples A-ZL and I-PD) have been established. Nevertheless, these data complete the knowledge of bentonite clays from the Eastern Rhodopes; they can shed more light on the connection between volcanic precursors and alteration products and can provide deeper insight into the process of glass transformation.

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