INAA study of the distribution of some major and trace elements in Greek limestones and marbles

By using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis, the distribution of 22 major and trace elements (Na, Cs, Ca, Sr, Sc, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Lu, Hf, Th, U, Cr, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Sb and Br) has been investigated in 12 samples (mainly limestone and marbles) collected from different stone quarries, covering almost the entire territory of Greece and belonging to different geo-tectonic zones. The investigated elements occur in a wide range of concentrations (1 to 3 orders of magnitude for some trace elements). Concentrations of rare earth elements normalised to the upper continental crust indicate a negative Ce anomaly for eleven samples and also a Eu negative anomaly for six others. By using statistical methods of data processing such as correlation and cluster analysis, 21 of the investigated elements have been grouped into two clusters. Similarities with other Greek marbles as well as recent sedimentary formations have been shown. Two criteria to select the most suitable elements for provenance studies are discussed.