- Dr. Vasilios Melfos
Department of Mineralogy, Petrology, Economic Geology
Faculty of Geology
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
GR 54 124 Thessaloniki
GREECE
http://users.auth.gr/melfosv
- Geology, Geochemistry, Mineralogy, fluid Inclusions, Economic Geology, Ore deposits, and 46 moreHydrothermal systems, Ancient marble quarries, Ore Geology, Byzantine Architecture, Environmental Geochemistry (Environmental Studies), Late Antique Art and Archaeology, Trace element Geochemistry, Stable Isotope Geochemistry, Neolithic Archaeology, Cave and Karst Studies, Material Culture Studies, Prehistoric Technology, Heavy Metal Pollution, Ottoman art and architecture, Acid Mine Drainage, Speleology, Chemical Geology, Archaeological Science, THESSALONIKI, Science for Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, Inorganic Geochemistry, Ophiolites, Ottoman Architecture In the Balkans, Restoration, Architectural Preservation & Restoration, Ancient Quarrying, Ground Stone Technology, Roman Marble Quarries, Hydrochemistry, Monuments of Thessaloniki, Archaeology of Caves and Caverns (Archaeospeleology), Conservation and Restoration of Historic Buildings and Monuments, Petrology, Hydrogeochemistry, Medieval Architecture, Environmental Soil Science, Lithics, Environmental Studies, Macedonia, Archaeological Chemistry, Aplied Geochemistry, Analysis of Pigments on Ancient Artifacts, Neolithic flint procurement, Stable Isotope Analysis, Archaeology of Mining, and Lithic Analysisedit
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In the present study, rough emerald single crystals and rough emeralds in the host rock from the ruins of Alexandria and from the Mount Zabargad in Egypt, preserved in the collection of the museum of the Ecole des Mines (Mines Paris—PSL)... more
In the present study, rough emerald single crystals and rough emeralds in the host rock from the ruins of Alexandria and from the Mount Zabargad in Egypt, preserved in the collection of the museum of the Ecole des Mines (Mines Paris—PSL) since the late 19th or early 20th century, are investigated. All samples were characterized by non-destructive spectroscopic and chemical methods during a week-long loan to the LFG. Raman, FTIR and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy revealed that Egyptian emeralds contain H2O molecules accompanied by relatively high concentrations of alkali ions and are colored by chromium and iron. Additionally, EDXRF showed that the emeralds from Egypt contain up to 84 ppm Rb and low amounts (below 200 ppm) of Cs. Inclusions and parts of the host rock were also observed under optical microscope and analyzed with Raman spectroscopy. Tube-like structures, quartz, calcite, dolomite, albite and phlogopite are associated minerals, and inclusions are identified in these historic e...
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The dataset contains whole rock geochemical data of Oligocene to Miocene volcanic and plutonic rocks from the Aegean region, Greece. The samples originate from outcrops in northeast Greece near Alexandropoulos and from the island of... more
The dataset contains whole rock geochemical data of Oligocene to Miocene volcanic and plutonic rocks from the Aegean region, Greece. The samples originate from outcrops in northeast Greece near Alexandropoulos and from the island of Limnos. Major and trace elements were measured using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), respectively. The Sr and Nd isotopes were measured using thermal ionization multi-collector mass spectrometry (TIMS). All analyses were carried out at the GeoZentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität in Erlangen. The data complement published geochemical data of magmatic rocks of the Aegean, which reveal a migration of the magmatic activity from NE to SW during the past 30 Ma.
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Abstract The Pefka Cu-Au-Te-In-Se and nearby St Philippos Pb-Zn-Bi-Sn-Ge-Ga-In vein- and breccia-type deposits in western Thrace, Greece, display strong similarities, but also differences in terms of mineralization style, ore mineralogy,... more
Abstract The Pefka Cu-Au-Te-In-Se and nearby St Philippos Pb-Zn-Bi-Sn-Ge-Ga-In vein- and breccia-type deposits in western Thrace, Greece, display strong similarities, but also differences in terms of mineralization style, ore mineralogy, and chemistry, and host rock compositions. The Pefka mineralization consists of two crosscutting vein systems with high sulfidation (HS)- and intermediate-sulfidation (IS) assemblages hosted by andesitic lavas and is unusually enriched in In (up to 700 ppm), Te (>1000 ppm), Se (>100 ppm), and Cu (>1 wt%). The main In-carriers are roquesite (CuInS2) and In-bearing tennantite-(Cu) which contains up to 6.5 wt% In, substituting into the C site. Roquesite is associated with enargite and arsenosulvanite/colusite, as part of the HS assemblage at Pefka. Selenium-bearing galena and a large suite of tellurides including calaverite, sylvanite, petzite, kostovite, empressite, tellurantimony, and coloradoite, in addition to native tellurium, account for the marked tellurium and selenium enrichment in the ores from Pefka. Tellurides and native gold were introduced together at Pefka and accompany the precipitation of Te-bearing minerals of the tetrahedrite group, such as “stibiogoldfieldite” and “arsenogoldfieldite”, and Cu-excess varieties of tetrahedrite and tennantite. However, the bulk of telluride deposition is associated with normal, fully substituted tetrahedrite-tennantite varieties. The St Philippos deposit is associated with a brecciated fault zone hosted by Eocene sandstones and Oligocene quartz-feldspar porphyry dikes. It is enriched in a large suite of incompatible elements, including Bi (>2000 ppm), Sn (>100 ppm), U (up to 200 ppm), Pb (>1 wt%), Zn (>1 wt%), Mo (up to 62 ppm), Ge (>100 ppm), Ga (up to 466 ppm) and In (up to 222 ppm), contrasting with the element suite defining the nearby Pefka deposit. The main carrier of In, Ga, and Ge is sphalerite (and wurtzite) with In-rich zones in sphalerite containing up to 6.1. wt% In. Germanium and Ga in sphalerite reach concentrations of up to 0.27 and 0.32 wt%, respectively. Sphalerite from the St Philippos deposit is extremely Fe-poor ( Both deposits are characterized by early high-temperature (>300 °C) and HS fluid conditions, followed by IS assemblages as temperatures waned. Rhyolitic oxidized magmas are considered to be the sources of metals in the St Philippos deposit; however, their anomalous W, Sn, U, and Bi contents suggest a contamination by crustal rocks. The Cu-Au-Te signature of the Pefka deposit is compatible with a genetic relationship to less fractionated andesitic magmas, although a possible contribution of In from rhyolitic magmas could explain the high In contents of the ore. However, other factors, as for example different metal-deposition mechanisms resulting in metal zonation around causative porphyry centers at depth, may also account for the observed metal endowment in these two deposits. The Sn-Te-In-(Ge-Ga) element association at Pefka and St Philippos is unusual in that it has been previously reported from only a few other places in the world (e.g., Capillitas deposit, Argentina, and the Kawazu deposit, Japan). We conclude based on this exotic mineralization-style that the northeastern part of Greece represents an area of great potential for the exploitation of critical metals and metalloids.
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In the Hellenides Orogen, minerals of various gem quality occur in various rock types from mainly four tectono-metamorphic units, the Rhodope, Pelagonian, and the Attico-Cycladic massifs, and the Phyllites-Quartzites unit of Crete Island.... more
In the Hellenides Orogen, minerals of various gem quality occur in various rock types from mainly four tectono-metamorphic units, the Rhodope, Pelagonian, and the Attico-Cycladic massifs, and the Phyllites-Quartzites unit of Crete Island. In crystalline rocks, gemstones are related to both regional metamorphic-metasomatic processes (e.g., gem corundums, Mn-andalusite, thulite/clinothulite, spessartine, titanite, jadeite), and to the formation of late alpine-type fissures, such as, for example, quartz, albite, adularia and titanite. The Tertiary (and Mesozoic) magmatic-hydrothermal environments provide gem-quality sapphire, beryl, garnet, vesuvianite, epidote, fluorite, and SiO2 varieties. The supergene oxidation zone of the Lavrion deposit hosts gem-quality smithsonite and azurite. Coloration in the studied material is either due to various chromophore trace elements present in the crystal structure, or due to inclusions of other mineral phases. Future modern exploration methods com...
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Abstract The study area is located near the town of Filippoi, north of the city of Kavala in northern Greece, known from ancient times for its rich gold mines, situated inside hydrothermal alteration zones (Fe–Mn oxide minerals). A Very... more
Abstract The study area is located near the town of Filippoi, north of the city of Kavala in northern Greece, known from ancient times for its rich gold mines, situated inside hydrothermal alteration zones (Fe–Mn oxide minerals). A Very High-Resolution (0.5 m pixel size) image of Worldview-2 satellite was digitally enhanced, yielding target areas of potential ore existence and lineaments. Ground-truth that followed digital image processing, revealed abandoned ancient mines, slags and ore occurrences. Also, a number of lineaments delineated on the satellite image were verified as faults.
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The goal of the study was to characterize the limestone that was used extensively in the ancient city of Pella (Macedonia, Greece), the birthplace of Alexander the Great. An on-site examination of the building material was carried out to... more
The goal of the study was to characterize the limestone that was used extensively in the ancient city of Pella (Macedonia, Greece), the birthplace of Alexander the Great. An on-site examination of the building material was carried out to record the types of damage and to select sampling areas. A variation in the nature of the stone and the degree of deterioration, even between the stones that comprise a specific monument structure, was observed, with water absorption and biological colonization being the main factors resulting in the deterioration of the stone. A comprehensive microanalysis and testing scheme was conducted to fully characterize the mineralogical, chemical, mechanical and thermal properties of the stones collected from various areas of the archaeological site. Optical microscopy, XRD and SEM–EDX were used to investigate the chemical composition and the structure of the stone samples. Finally, other properties, such as porosity, specific gravity and water absorption, ...
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Throughout the Vertiskos and Kerdylion Units in northern Greece a wide range of Oligocene-Miocene ore mineralization, including porphyry, epithermal, skarn, carbonate replacement and intrusion-related vein types are documented.... more
Throughout the Vertiskos and Kerdylion Units in northern Greece a wide range of Oligocene-Miocene ore mineralization, including porphyry, epithermal, skarn, carbonate replacement and intrusion-related vein types are documented. Μetalogenesis have been strictly related to the active since Tertiary extensional regime set in back-arc environment conditions. The area of interest is monitored by a network of 20 different permanently installed GPS stations. The processing of the primary geodetic data is based on the triangulation of the GPS stations. In particular, the total of 20 different GPS stations were combined each other, forming different sets of three stations. Each set leads to a triangle formation, while each station is located on a triangle vertex. The recorded geodetic data of a GPS station is combined with the other two stations geodetic data, calculating the maximum horizontal extension and rotation of the triangle centroid, representing the triangle. Based on the aforementioned procedure, 399 different triangles were constructed within the study area, providing 399 different maximum horizontal extension and rotation values. Based on the extracted maximum horizontal extension values, the interpolation method was applied, leading to the construction of a map, including 50 nano-strain step contours, while the maximum and minimum values are 543.5029 and 2.1114 nano-strains, respectively. The exact ore mineralization locations were highlighted onto the aforementioned map in order to be examined their relationship to the maximum extension values. The extracted results show that the majority of ore mineralization locations are included into the medium to maximum horizontal extension areas. This proves the fact that several tectonic structures related to the ore mineralization formation are relatively active or not active in the present. Especially, at the southern part of the study area, ore mineralization localities exhibit remarkably higher maximum horizontal extension values, as a result of active since Oligocene fault zones of Stratoni-Varvara, Megali Panaghia-Gomati, Sochos and Mygdonia. Finally, the presented GPS rotational data are in agreement with the published palaeomagnetic data for the study area. In particular, counter-clockwise and clockwise rotations appear at the northern and the southern part respectively. Α transition zone of zero rotation values is observed between the two parts, enclosing probably a tectonic structure, separating the counter-clockwise and clockwise rotation blocks.
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In this work we provide results of three analytical methods, e.g. micro-RAMAN, micro-FTIR and SEM/EDS, which were applied for the identification of pigments in 19th century icons for preservation and restoration purposes. These icons are... more
In this work we provide results of three analytical methods, e.g. micro-RAMAN, micro-FTIR and SEM/EDS, which were applied for the identification of pigments in 19th century icons for preservation and restoration purposes. These icons are stored in the Saint George church at the Asvestochori village near Thessaloniki, N. Greece. The two icons depict the “Palpation of Thomas” and St.Dionisios, respectively, and were constructed between 1812 and 1825 to decorate the altar of the church. These icons are works of folk art and their iconographic characteristics are affected by the contemporaneous historic spirit. Thus, the saints are depicted in simple shapes, primary colors are dark and locally mixed with brighter tones to express a hint of joy. Icons are in good conservation status, they exhibit usage and time ravages to their paint layers and wooden bodies. Representative samples, of the pigments, not exceeding dimensions of approximately 2x3x1 mm, from both icons were obtained. These samples were studied using the non-destructive technique of micro-Raman spectroscopy for the identification of inorganic pigments. Micro-FTIR spectroscopy was implemented as a complementary technique for the identification purposes. Finally, where coatings of the binder material on the pigments were hampering the spectroscopy analyses the scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS) technique was selectively used. The analytical techniques micro-RAMAN and micro-FTIR were performed in the frame of the “Programme of Management and Conservation of Ecclesiastical Cultural Heritage Objects” at the University Ecclesiastical Academy of Thessaloniki. The SEM/EDS study was applied at the School of Sciences of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The main purpose of this study is to improve our scientific knowledge on the pigments which were used at iconography during early 19th century in the broader area of Thessaloniki, by examining inorganic and organic components and when possible to apply these materials in the conservation science.
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The provenance of the lithic raw materials employed in the production of macrolithic artefacts at Neolithic Avgi (Middle–Late Neolithic, c.5700–4500 cal BCE) in Kastoria, north-western Greece, is studied. Mineralogical, petrographic and... more
The provenance of the lithic raw materials employed in the production of macrolithic artefacts at Neolithic Avgi (Middle–Late Neolithic, c.5700–4500 cal BCE) in Kastoria, north-western Greece, is studied. Mineralogical, petrographic and geochemical analysis was conducted on selected samples of the archaeological material, supported by geological fieldwork and outcrop sampling. The majority of the macrolithic stone artefacts was manufactured by local raw materials, originating from either the neighbouring ophiolites at Maniakoi or the alluvial sediments of the Aliakmon River and its tributaries. A minor amount of artefacts was produced from ‘exotic’ rocks, such as marble, malachite and amber. The study of two marble artefacts indicates that the raw material is from the island of Naxos in Aegean, although the neighbouring island of Paros is not excluded, suggesting the participation of the Neolithic community of Avgi in social and/or exchange networks.
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A common feature of precious metal mineralization in Greece is the close relationship between gold and silver with other trace minerals incorporating bismuth, tellurium and selenium in their structure. These minerals can be considered as... more
A common feature of precious metal mineralization in Greece is the close relationship between gold and silver with other trace minerals incorporating bismuth, tellurium and selenium in their structure. These minerals can be considered as pathfinders for gold as they may guide exploration to discover distinct types of gold-bearing ores. Primary gold mineralization in Greece can be subdivided in three groups regarding the mineral associations with gold: (A1) mineralization where native gold and Au-Ag tellurides accompany either Bi-sulfosalts, native Bi and reduced-type Bi-sulfotellurides (joseite-A, joseite-B, pilsenite) at Koronouda, Laodikino/Kilkis area, Stanos, Olympias-Stratoni and Fissoka at Chalkidiki area and Angistron Mt/W. Rhodope), or (A2) accompany Bi-sulfosalts with oxidized-type Bi-sulfotellurides (e.g. tetradymite and tellurobismuthite) typical for Aberdeen, Palea Kavala, Thasos island, as well as for the calc-alkaline and alkaline-hosted porphyry and epithermal deposits/prospects in western Thrace, Limnos island and Skouries; (B) deposits which lack tellurides but include Bi-sulfosalts and native gold (e.g. the carbonate replacement deposit of Lavrion, the porphyry-Cu-Mo-Au deposits of Maronia and Stypsi, Lesvos Island, and the intrusion-related Kimmeria Cu-Mo-Au deposit); and (C) deposits/prospects where native gold and Au-Ag-tellurides and other base metal tellurides are abundant and Bi-tellurides and Bi-sulfosalts are missing (the metamorphic rock-hosted quartz veins at Panormos/Tinos and Kallianou/Evia Islands, and the epithermal shallow submarine mineralization at Milos). Bismuth and tellurium are considered to be derived from magma and recognition of bismuth sulfosalts and bismuth tellurides, as well as of various types of base (and precious) metal tellurides in the mineralization, is a strong evidence of magmatic-hydrothermal contribution and of adjacent concealed intrusives (e.g. Perama Hill and Pefka deposits are cases where no granitoids are exposed). The absence of bismuth minerals and the presence of precious and base metal tellurides (as is the case for Milos, Tinos and Evia islands) may still suggest magmatic contributions but in more distal setting from a buried granitoids at depth. Selenium (and/or bismuth) bearing galena and Se-bearing bismuth chalcogenides present at Kimmeria intrusion-hosted veins, at Lavrion, as well as in several porphyry-epithermal deposits in northern Greece (e.g. Kassiteres-Sapes, Pagoni Rachi, Perama Hill, Pefka and Skouries) are indicative of high-temperature, initial stages of ore deposition from magmatic-hydrothermal fluids, and proximity to porphyry mineralized centers. When recognized in a mineralization as an accessory mineral, Se-bearing galena could guide exploration towards unexposed granitoids. Bornite and molybdenite are present in the potassic and sericitic alteration zones of Skouries and Pagoni Rachi porphyry deposits, where they are intimately associated with native gold and gold-silver tellurides. However bornite may also occur in intermediate-sulfidation epithermal veins at Kassiteres-Sapes and Pagoni Rachi areas and molybdenite at Stanos and Syros Island without any obvious relationship to a granitoid. Both minerals can be applied for discovery of high temperature mineralized zones in the system.
Research Interests: Geology and Geochemistry
The Lavrion ore district, located about 50 km southeast of Athens (Greece), contains a variety of ore types including porphyry Mo-W, skarn Fe-Cu-Bi-Te, carbonate-replacement Pb-Zn-Cu-Ag±Au-Bi and vein-type Pb-As-Sb-Ag and Pb-Ni-Bi-Au... more
The Lavrion ore district, located about 50 km southeast of Athens (Greece), contains a variety of ore types including porphyry Mo-W, skarn Fe-Cu-Bi-Te, carbonate-replacement Pb-Zn-Cu-Ag±Au-Bi and vein-type Pb-As-Sb-Ag and Pb-Ni-Bi-Au (Solomos et al. 2004; Voudouris et al. 2008; Bonsall et al. 2011; Kolitsch et al. 2015). Mineralization was synchronous to the intrusion of a Miocene granodiorite body in the footwall of the Western Cycladic Detachment System and related felsic dikes and sills within marbles and schists, which locally cross-cut the detachment. Carbonate-sericite altered microgranodioritic dikes and sills at Kamariza are crosscut by porphyry-style quartz-sericite-calcite stockworks hosting pyrrhotite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite and sphalerite (e.g. the same metallic minerals present in the carbonate-replacement and vein ores). The dikes and sill display enrichment in Ni (up to 220 ppm), Cu (up to 175 ppm), As (up to 510 ppm), Mo (up to 6 ppm) and Pb (up to 830 ppm), as measured by ICP-MS. The Ni-Bi-Au association at the Clemence mine in Kamariza is a vein-type mineralization developed at the contact between marbles and schists. The mineralization also expands in the marbles unit, forming carbonate-replacement bodies. It consists of native gold and bismuthinite intergrown with gersdorffite, enclosed in galena. Bulk ore analyses reveal Au and Ag grades exceeding 100 ppm, Pb and Zn > 1 wt. %, Ni up to 9700 ppm, Co up to 118 ppm, Sn > 100 ppm and Bi > 2000 ppm. New mineralogical and mineral-chemical data from the Ni-Bi-Au association suggest gold deposition with oscillatory zoned gersdorffite following initial deposition of pyrite and arsenopyrite. Oscillatory zoning in gersdorffite is related to variable As, Ni and Fe contents, indicating fluctuation of arsenic fugacity in the hydrothermal fluid. Chalcopyrite, tennantite and enargite rimming gersdorffite suggest an evolution towards higher sulfur fugacity in the mineralization with time. Stannite enclosed in pyrite and native antimony enclosed in galena are decribed here for the first time in the Clemence ore assemblage. At the ‘km-3’ locality, the Ni sulfides and sulfarsenides, vaesite, millerite, ullmannite and polydymite, are enclosed in gersdorffite and/or galena. At this location mineralization occurs in the form of calcite and galena veins crosscutting and cementing brecciated marbles, within the detachment fault. Mineralization is enriched in Mo (up to 36 ppm), As and Ni (both >1 wt. %), Co (up to 1290 ppm), whereas other elements occur in lesser amounts: Te (up to 2 ppm), Sn (up to 8.5 ppm), Bi (up to 1.3 ppm). Gersdorffite at ‘km-3’ is homogenous and contain less Fe (up to 2 wt. %) than that from the Clemence mine (up to 9 wt. %), probably related to lower temperatures of their formation. The geochemical and mineralogical data from this study support previous models for a magmatic contribution of metals to the ore system, although a remobilization from previous mineralization and/or country rocks cannot be ruled out.
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This work presents the results of the mineralogical, petrographic, and geochemical study carried out on representative samples from the large assemblage of the Neolithic stone artifacts found in Drakaina Cave, at Kephalonia island,... more
This work presents the results of the mineralogical, petrographic, and geochemical study carried out on representative samples from the large assemblage of the Neolithic stone artifacts found in Drakaina Cave, at Kephalonia island, western Greece. The aim of this study is the determination of the raw materials used for the manufacture of lithic/stone implements, as well as their possible sources. Of the artifacts under study, the chipped stone tools were manufactured on cherts from local sources, while the ground stone edged tools on gabbro and the discoid stone beads on talc, both imported in the Ionian Islands. Geochemical analyses indicate that the most probable source for the gabbro artifacts is the Pindos Mountains. Limestones and sandstones, used by the Neolithic stone workers for the production of various ground stone tools, such as grinding slabs, grinders, abraders, polishers and hammer stones, were acquired exclusively from local sources, as they are the predominant rock types of the island. The raw material for the manufacture of a zoomorphic vessel of white marble was most probably originated from Naxos, an island of the Cyclades complex in the south Aegean Sea.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Geology, Neolithic Archaeology, Prehistoric Technology, and 15 morePrehistoric weapons, Balkan prehistory, Aegean Archaeology, Neolithic Europe, Prehistory, Aegean Prehistory, Prehistoric polished stone tools, Projectile technology, Projectile Points, Neolithic of the Balkans, Lithic Analysis, Lithic Raw Material Sourcing, Chert Source Provenance Studies, origin of cherts, and Prehistoric Tecnology
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Research Interests: Geology, Geochemistry, Porphyry, Greece, Epithermal, and 3 moreAlteration, Elsevier, and ore mineralogy
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The present study focuses on the identification of marble sources from four ancient quarries in Thessaly, including Atrax, Tempi, Chasanbali and Tisaion and aims in characterizing the variations of the mineralogical and petrographic... more
The present study focuses on the identification of marble sources from four ancient quarries in Thessaly, including Atrax, Tempi, Chasanbali and Tisaion and aims in characterizing the variations of the mineralogical and petrographic features, and the stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ18O). The results provide additional data and complete the databases presented in previous works from Kastri, Kalochorion and Gonnoi. Microscopy was employed both to evidence the geometrical relationships among the mineral constituents, with particular reference to calcite, and to detect the accessory grains. The studied marbles demonstrate various textures, whereas the maximum grain size of calcites has been used to discriminate the marbles. The geometric relationships of carbonate grains, such as the grain boundary shape, were also evaluated. According to the stable isotope compositions, most of the samples plot in the same area, although some groupings are observed.
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In surface aquatic systems, trace elements and especially heavy metals accumulate in sediments. Thus, the determination of sediment chemical characteristics is critical in the assessment of an aquatic environment’s quality. Thirteen... more
In surface aquatic systems, trace elements and especially heavy metals accumulate in sediments. Thus, the determination of sediment chemical characteristics is critical in the assessment of an aquatic environment’s quality. Thirteen sediment samples from Palea Kavala river (NE Macedonia, Greece) were studied for their content in Al, Fe, Cu, Cd, Mn, Pb, Zn. In order to evaluate the metal enrichment for environmental purposes, two geochemical indices were employed: Enrichment Factor (EF) and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo). According to the results, Al was the most abundant major element in sediments with Fe and Mn to follow. Trace element content followed the order Pb>Zn>Cu>Cd. EF values revealed that samples are enriched in Cd and Pb, while Igeo values also suggested that there is considerable contamination concerning Cd and Pb. It is concluded that ore mineralizations which occur in Palea Kavala region contribute to the elevated concentrations of all the studied elements, sin...
Research Interests: Physics and Heavy metals
Nutritional habits have as a result the uptake of the elemental content of various foods in the human body. Salt (NaCl) constitutes an integral part of human diet needs. As a consequence, knowledge concerning the composition of edible... more
Nutritional habits have as a result the uptake of the elemental content of various foods in the human body. Salt (NaCl) constitutes an integral part of human diet needs. As a consequence, knowledge concerning the composition of edible salt is critical. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the components of 8 edible salt samples that are available in the Greek retail market. Samples were classified according to their color as follows: white (WS1, WS2), black (BS1, BS2), pink (PS1), red (RS1), blue (BLS1) and pale brown (BRS1). The research revealed that all samples mainly consist of Cl and Na. Himalayan Black Salt (BS2) also contains S, whereas the Hawaiian Red Salt (RS1) contains Fe. Additionally, most of the samples contain low levels of Al, Ca, K, Mg, P, S, Si and O as impurities. Concerning the morphological characteristics, salt particles appear irregular, rounded and in two cases as cubic crystals referring to the crystal structure of NaCl. Backscattered images confirm t...
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The evolution of caves is usually controlled by meteoric water seepage into karst systems (epigenic process). In some cases, caves are formed by ascending fluids the aggressiveness of which is gained in depth. Such cavities are defined as... more
The evolution of caves is usually controlled by meteoric water seepage into karst systems (epigenic process). In some cases, caves are formed by ascending fluids the aggressiveness of which is gained in depth. Such cavities are defined as hypogenic. Many caves considered previously as epigenic are now reinterpreted as hypogenic. Most Greek hypogenic caves are related with confined speleogenesis in karstic rocks near to impermeable rock exposures. At the present study the hypogenic features of the Maronia cave in Thrace of Greece, are described. The cave system is developed in a relatively thin layer of eroded Nummulitic limestones with a Middle Eocene age. Medium scale morphological characteristics such as cupolas and feeders indicate rising flow of solutions. In addition, fluid inclusion studies in selected calcite spars from the cave show elevated temperatures of formation (93 to 164ºC with two peaks at 100 and 140 ºC) from circulating hydrothermal fluids.
Research Interests: Geology and Speleogenesis
Millstones were water powered, horizontal or vertical wheeled, since the 1st century BC, according to written documents. The raw materials used in ancient Greece for manufacturing millstones since the Prehistoric times, were very... more
Millstones were water powered, horizontal or vertical wheeled, since the 1st century BC, according to written documents. The raw materials used in ancient Greece for manufacturing millstones since the Prehistoric times, were very restricted, mainly sandstones and volcanic or pyroclastic rocks. The sources of the raw materials for the millstones in Greece varied throughout the times depending on the quality and suitability of the rocks. The Aegean islands Milos, Kimolos, Polyaigos, Santorini, Nisyros, Skyros, Aigina, Limnos, Mytilini, and other areas such as Poros and Methoni in Peloponnesos were some of the provenance locations where the millstones were quarried and exported in other areas. In Macedonia and Thrace the main raw materials were from local sources in the beginning, during the Prehistoric times. Later, a more intense production of millstones started in various areas depending on the rock type of the raw materials. Representative examples for millstones made of sandstones...
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The present study focuses on the ancient quarries located in the region of Magnesia in Thessaly, Greece. Samples from several quarrying sites were obtained for mineralogical, petrographic and isotopic analysis. The results have been... more
The present study focuses on the ancient quarries located in the region of Magnesia in Thessaly, Greece. Samples from several quarrying sites were obtained for mineralogical, petrographic and isotopic analysis. The
results have been included in an informative table for future comparison of raw materials found in excavations in ancient cities and settlements. The studied quarries are located at: Mt Tisaion, Mt Pelion in the village
Makrinitsa, the Goritsa hill, ancient Demetrias, the area from Nea Anchialos to Cape Angistri, Velestino, Mikrothives and Mikro Perivolaki. The rocks extracted in these quarrying areas are mainly marbles and also travertine, limestone, dolomite and basalt.
results have been included in an informative table for future comparison of raw materials found in excavations in ancient cities and settlements. The studied quarries are located at: Mt Tisaion, Mt Pelion in the village
Makrinitsa, the Goritsa hill, ancient Demetrias, the area from Nea Anchialos to Cape Angistri, Velestino, Mikrothives and Mikro Perivolaki. The rocks extracted in these quarrying areas are mainly marbles and also travertine, limestone, dolomite and basalt.
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The Ancient Greek writers mention Pangaeon Mountain in northeastern Greece as one of the richest gold and silver prospecting territories during antiquity. The mining and metallurgical operations are located mainly at the central and... more
The Ancient Greek writers mention Pangaeon Mountain in northeastern Greece as one of the richest gold and silver prospecting territories during antiquity. The mining and metallurgical operations are located mainly at the central and eastern parts of Pangaeon.
The most important and extended ancient mining area is “Asimotrypes” at the central part of the mountain. Along a steep valley, 8 ancient and 3 modern (20th cent.) mining adits are found. Four trial excavation trenches in three of the mining galleries did not yield any ceramic material to allow relative chronology of the mining activity.
The archaeometallurgical excavation at the Valtouda metallurgical area provides a useful tool for understanding the metallurgical activity, especially during Roman times at the study area. Archaeological and geological information gained by this study will help to understand the metals chain production in this mining and metallurgical area.
The most important and extended ancient mining area is “Asimotrypes” at the central part of the mountain. Along a steep valley, 8 ancient and 3 modern (20th cent.) mining adits are found. Four trial excavation trenches in three of the mining galleries did not yield any ceramic material to allow relative chronology of the mining activity.
The archaeometallurgical excavation at the Valtouda metallurgical area provides a useful tool for understanding the metallurgical activity, especially during Roman times at the study area. Archaeological and geological information gained by this study will help to understand the metals chain production in this mining and metallurgical area.
Research Interests:
https://repository.kallipos.gr/handle/11419/8353?&locale=el Το βιβλίο αυτό αναφέρεται στην καταγραφή των σημαντικότερων μεταλλοφόρων κοιτασμάτων της Ελλάδας και στις συνθήκες γένεσής τους σε σχέση με τη γεωτεκτονική εξέλιξη των Ελληνίδων.... more
https://repository.kallipos.gr/handle/11419/8353?&locale=el
Το βιβλίο αυτό αναφέρεται στην καταγραφή των σημαντικότερων μεταλλοφόρων κοιτασμάτων της Ελλάδας και στις συνθήκες γένεσής τους σε σχέση με τη γεωτεκτονική εξέλιξη των Ελληνίδων. Έμφαση δίνεται στη γεωλογία, στην τεκτονική, στα πετρώματα ξενιστές και στην ορυκτολογική και γεωχημική σύσταση των κοιτασμάτων αυτών. Τα κεφάλαια του παρόντος βιβλίου αναφέρονται στη σύντομη ιστορική αναδρομή της μεταλλευτικής δραστηριότητας στην Ελλάδα, από τα προϊστορικά χρόνια έως σήμερα, στη γεωτεκτονική εξέλιξη και μεταλλογένεση, καθώς και στην ταξινόμηση των ελληνικών κοιτασμάτων στις διαφορετικές μεταλλογενετικές επαρχίες. Περιγράφονται τα ορθομαγματικά κοιτάσματα Cr σε οφιολιθικά συμπλέγματα, τα ηφαιστειογενή κοιτάσματα συμπαγών σουλφιδίων και τα μεταμορφωμένα κοιτάσματα Mn, όλα Μεσοζωικής ηλικίας. Επίσης, παρουσιάζονται οι μαγματικές-υδροθερμικές μεταλλοφορίες που συνδέονται με τον μαγματισμό του Καινοζωικού και που εντοπίζονται κυρίως στα δύο σημαντικά μεταμορφικά συμπλέγματα της Ελλάδας, της Ροδόπης και Σερβομακεδονικής στα βόρεια και της Αττικοκυκλαδικής στα νότια. Αυτές οι μεταλλοφορίες περιλαμβάνουν τα κοιτάσματα που φιλοξενούνται σε μαγματικές διεισδύσεις, τα κοιτάσματα τύπου skarn, τα κοιτάσματα από αντικατάσταση ανθρακικών πετρωμάτων και τα κοιτάσματα πορφυριτικού και επιθερμικού τύπου. Αναπτύσσονται επίσης οι πολυμεταλλικές φλέβες του Καινοζωικού σε μεταμορφωμένα πετρώματα, τα κοιτάσματα Fe, Mn, Zn από οξείδωση θειούχων μεταλλοφοριών, τα λατεριτικά κοιτάσματα Fe-Ni, τα κοιτάσματα βωξίτη με αλουμίνιο, τα προσχωματικά κοιτάσματα Au, Pt και REE, καθώς και τα σύγχρονα μεταλλοφόρα πεδία στο ενεργό ηφαιστειακό τόξο του Νοτίου Αιγαίου και στην Κεντρική και Βόρεια Ελλάδα. Στο τέλος του βιβλίου γίνεται μία ανασκόπηση σχετικά με την παρουσία των σπάνιων και κρίσιμων μετάλλων στα κοιτάσματα της Ελλάδας, ενώ στο τελευταίο κεφάλαιο δίνονται λεπτομερή γεωλογικά και κοιτασματολογικά στοιχεία δύο σημαντικών μεταλλογενετικών περιοχών της Νοτιοανατολικής Ευρώπης, δηλαδή της ΒΑ Χαλκιδικής και του Λαυρίου.
Το βιβλίο αυτό αναφέρεται στην καταγραφή των σημαντικότερων μεταλλοφόρων κοιτασμάτων της Ελλάδας και στις συνθήκες γένεσής τους σε σχέση με τη γεωτεκτονική εξέλιξη των Ελληνίδων. Έμφαση δίνεται στη γεωλογία, στην τεκτονική, στα πετρώματα ξενιστές και στην ορυκτολογική και γεωχημική σύσταση των κοιτασμάτων αυτών. Τα κεφάλαια του παρόντος βιβλίου αναφέρονται στη σύντομη ιστορική αναδρομή της μεταλλευτικής δραστηριότητας στην Ελλάδα, από τα προϊστορικά χρόνια έως σήμερα, στη γεωτεκτονική εξέλιξη και μεταλλογένεση, καθώς και στην ταξινόμηση των ελληνικών κοιτασμάτων στις διαφορετικές μεταλλογενετικές επαρχίες. Περιγράφονται τα ορθομαγματικά κοιτάσματα Cr σε οφιολιθικά συμπλέγματα, τα ηφαιστειογενή κοιτάσματα συμπαγών σουλφιδίων και τα μεταμορφωμένα κοιτάσματα Mn, όλα Μεσοζωικής ηλικίας. Επίσης, παρουσιάζονται οι μαγματικές-υδροθερμικές μεταλλοφορίες που συνδέονται με τον μαγματισμό του Καινοζωικού και που εντοπίζονται κυρίως στα δύο σημαντικά μεταμορφικά συμπλέγματα της Ελλάδας, της Ροδόπης και Σερβομακεδονικής στα βόρεια και της Αττικοκυκλαδικής στα νότια. Αυτές οι μεταλλοφορίες περιλαμβάνουν τα κοιτάσματα που φιλοξενούνται σε μαγματικές διεισδύσεις, τα κοιτάσματα τύπου skarn, τα κοιτάσματα από αντικατάσταση ανθρακικών πετρωμάτων και τα κοιτάσματα πορφυριτικού και επιθερμικού τύπου. Αναπτύσσονται επίσης οι πολυμεταλλικές φλέβες του Καινοζωικού σε μεταμορφωμένα πετρώματα, τα κοιτάσματα Fe, Mn, Zn από οξείδωση θειούχων μεταλλοφοριών, τα λατεριτικά κοιτάσματα Fe-Ni, τα κοιτάσματα βωξίτη με αλουμίνιο, τα προσχωματικά κοιτάσματα Au, Pt και REE, καθώς και τα σύγχρονα μεταλλοφόρα πεδία στο ενεργό ηφαιστειακό τόξο του Νοτίου Αιγαίου και στην Κεντρική και Βόρεια Ελλάδα. Στο τέλος του βιβλίου γίνεται μία ανασκόπηση σχετικά με την παρουσία των σπάνιων και κρίσιμων μετάλλων στα κοιτάσματα της Ελλάδας, ενώ στο τελευταίο κεφάλαιο δίνονται λεπτομερή γεωλογικά και κοιτασματολογικά στοιχεία δύο σημαντικών μεταλλογενετικών περιοχών της Νοτιοανατολικής Ευρώπης, δηλαδή της ΒΑ Χαλκιδικής και του Λαυρίου.
Research Interests:
https://repository.kallipos.gr/handle/11419/8353?&locale=el Το βιβλίο αυτό αναφέρεται στην καταγραφή των σημαντικότερων μεταλλοφόρων κοιτασμάτων της Ελλάδας και στις συνθήκες γένεσής τους σε σχέση με τη γεωτεκτονική εξέλιξη των... more
https://repository.kallipos.gr/handle/11419/8353?&locale=el
Το βιβλίο αυτό αναφέρεται στην καταγραφή των σημαντικότερων μεταλλοφόρων κοιτασμάτων της Ελλάδας και στις συνθήκες γένεσής τους σε σχέση με τη γεωτεκτονική εξέλιξη των Ελληνίδων. Έμφαση δίνεται στη γεωλογία, στην τεκτονική, στα πετρώματα ξενιστές και στην ορυκτολογική και γεωχημική σύσταση των κοιτασμάτων αυτών. Τα κεφάλαια του παρόντος βιβλίου αναφέρονται στη σύντομη ιστορική αναδρομή της μεταλλευτικής δραστηριότητας στην Ελλάδα, από τα προϊστορικά χρόνια έως σήμερα, στη γεωτεκτονική εξέλιξη και μεταλλογένεση, καθώς και στην ταξινόμηση των ελληνικών κοιτασμάτων στις διαφορετικές μεταλλογενετικές επαρχίες. Περιγράφονται τα ορθομαγματικά κοιτάσματα Cr σε οφιολιθικά συμπλέγματα, τα ηφαιστειογενή κοιτάσματα συμπαγών σουλφιδίων και τα μεταμορφωμένα κοιτάσματα Mn, όλα Μεσοζωικής ηλικίας. Επίσης, παρουσιάζονται οι μαγματικές-υδροθερμικές μεταλλοφορίες που συνδέονται με τον μαγματισμό του Καινοζωικού και που εντοπίζονται κυρίως στα δύο σημαντικά μεταμορφικά συμπλέγματα της Ελλάδας, της Ροδόπης και Σερβομακεδονικής στα βόρεια και της Αττικοκυκλαδικής στα νότια. Αυτές οι μεταλλοφορίες περιλαμβάνουν τα κοιτάσματα που φιλοξενούνται σε μαγματικές διεισδύσεις, τα κοιτάσματα τύπου skarn, τα κοιτάσματα από αντικατάσταση ανθρακικών πετρωμάτων και τα κοιτάσματα πορφυριτικού και επιθερμικού τύπου. Αναπτύσσονται επίσης οι πολυμεταλλικές φλέβες του Καινοζωικού σε μεταμορφωμένα πετρώματα, τα κοιτάσματα Fe, Mn, Zn από οξείδωση θειούχων μεταλλοφοριών, τα λατεριτικά κοιτάσματα Fe-Ni, τα κοιτάσματα βωξίτη με αλουμίνιο, τα προσχωματικά κοιτάσματα Au, Pt και REE, καθώς και τα σύγχρονα μεταλλοφόρα πεδία στο ενεργό ηφαιστειακό τόξο του Νοτίου Αιγαίου και στην Κεντρική και Βόρεια Ελλάδα. Στο τέλος του βιβλίου γίνεται μία ανασκόπηση σχετικά με την παρουσία των σπάνιων και κρίσιμων μετάλλων στα κοιτάσματα της Ελλάδας, ενώ στο τελευταίο κεφάλαιο δίνονται λεπτομερή γεωλογικά και κοιτασματολογικά στοιχεία δύο σημαντικών μεταλλογενετικών περιοχών της Νοτιοανατολικής Ευρώπης, δηλαδή της ΒΑ Χαλκιδικής και του Λαυρίου.
Το βιβλίο αυτό αναφέρεται στην καταγραφή των σημαντικότερων μεταλλοφόρων κοιτασμάτων της Ελλάδας και στις συνθήκες γένεσής τους σε σχέση με τη γεωτεκτονική εξέλιξη των Ελληνίδων. Έμφαση δίνεται στη γεωλογία, στην τεκτονική, στα πετρώματα ξενιστές και στην ορυκτολογική και γεωχημική σύσταση των κοιτασμάτων αυτών. Τα κεφάλαια του παρόντος βιβλίου αναφέρονται στη σύντομη ιστορική αναδρομή της μεταλλευτικής δραστηριότητας στην Ελλάδα, από τα προϊστορικά χρόνια έως σήμερα, στη γεωτεκτονική εξέλιξη και μεταλλογένεση, καθώς και στην ταξινόμηση των ελληνικών κοιτασμάτων στις διαφορετικές μεταλλογενετικές επαρχίες. Περιγράφονται τα ορθομαγματικά κοιτάσματα Cr σε οφιολιθικά συμπλέγματα, τα ηφαιστειογενή κοιτάσματα συμπαγών σουλφιδίων και τα μεταμορφωμένα κοιτάσματα Mn, όλα Μεσοζωικής ηλικίας. Επίσης, παρουσιάζονται οι μαγματικές-υδροθερμικές μεταλλοφορίες που συνδέονται με τον μαγματισμό του Καινοζωικού και που εντοπίζονται κυρίως στα δύο σημαντικά μεταμορφικά συμπλέγματα της Ελλάδας, της Ροδόπης και Σερβομακεδονικής στα βόρεια και της Αττικοκυκλαδικής στα νότια. Αυτές οι μεταλλοφορίες περιλαμβάνουν τα κοιτάσματα που φιλοξενούνται σε μαγματικές διεισδύσεις, τα κοιτάσματα τύπου skarn, τα κοιτάσματα από αντικατάσταση ανθρακικών πετρωμάτων και τα κοιτάσματα πορφυριτικού και επιθερμικού τύπου. Αναπτύσσονται επίσης οι πολυμεταλλικές φλέβες του Καινοζωικού σε μεταμορφωμένα πετρώματα, τα κοιτάσματα Fe, Mn, Zn από οξείδωση θειούχων μεταλλοφοριών, τα λατεριτικά κοιτάσματα Fe-Ni, τα κοιτάσματα βωξίτη με αλουμίνιο, τα προσχωματικά κοιτάσματα Au, Pt και REE, καθώς και τα σύγχρονα μεταλλοφόρα πεδία στο ενεργό ηφαιστειακό τόξο του Νοτίου Αιγαίου και στην Κεντρική και Βόρεια Ελλάδα. Στο τέλος του βιβλίου γίνεται μία ανασκόπηση σχετικά με την παρουσία των σπάνιων και κρίσιμων μετάλλων στα κοιτάσματα της Ελλάδας, ενώ στο τελευταίο κεφάλαιο δίνονται λεπτομερή γεωλογικά και κοιτασματολογικά στοιχεία δύο σημαντικών μεταλλογενετικών περιοχών της Νοτιοανατολικής Ευρώπης, δηλαδή της ΒΑ Χαλκιδικής και του Λαυρίου.