Trace elements in the lava xylite/lignite deposit, Servia basin, Northern Greece

Trace and rare earth element concentrations were determined in 18 lignite a nd xylite samples from the three horizons of the Lava mine, Servia basin, N orthern Greece. Low concentrations (mostly < 50 ppm) of B suggest that the deposits developed under fresh water influence. Very few elements (As, Ag, Cd, U, Se, and Te) can be considered as enriched when compared to Earth's c rust averages. The elements Li, Be, Ti, Cr Ga, Rb, Sr ZI; Nb, Sn, Cs, Ba, L a, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Hf, Tl, Pb, Th, and Sc show a great affinity to the ash, while an intermediate affinity is shown by the elements B, V, Co, Ge, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ta, U, and W. A calm, low-energy limnic depositional environmen t is considered for the first and the third horizons, while for the second horizon, a telmatic to fluvial depositional environment with a very strong terrestrial impact is suggested. The positive Ce anomalies could reflect a relatively reducing environment of formation.