Elemental and phase characterization of quartz samples from Meliti (Florina, Greece)

Abstract

In this work, a geological, phase and elemental characterization of quartz samples, deriving from Meliti area, is presented. The bedrock of the investigated area belongs to Pelagonian Nappe (Middle Triassic-Lower Jurassic) and consists predominantly of metamorphic basement including mainly mica schists where biotite dominates in relation to muscovite. Specifically, the quartz samples investigated in this study were collected at Moutsouna (Roudina) site about 3,5 km NNW of Meliti village. SEM-EDS, ICP-MS and XRD results indicate that quartz mineral originating from Meliti area is free from other microcrystalline phases. Hence, the quartz mineral found is highly pure and can be used for production of ultra-high purity quartz for special applications, as long as the deposits are found to be exploitable.