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The reconstruction of the trade routes along which garnets reached Europe in the early Middle Ages demonstrates the persistence of long-distance trade after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Early medieval garnet jewellery from Italy and the presence of lapidary workshops are important evidence for understanding the dynamics of this commerce but are systematically overlooked. Chemical trace-element analysis (LA-ICP-MS) of loose and inset garnets and glass inlays from burials in sixth–seventh-century Lombardy has identified South Asian and Bohemian garnets together with Egyptian glass. This combination shows that the long-distance trade routes crossing the Peninsula and the Alpine passes played a key role in the European market for garnets, significantly modifying the current model of the Mediterranean garnet trade and shedding new light on the character of the elites who emerged in Italy during the Migration period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work we summarize the first achievements of the RockStar Group of the Department of Physics and Geology (at the University of Perugia, Italy), which is made of a strict collaboration between Physicists and Geologists on astrophysical and planetological studies. The RockStar Group acts on two research lines: (i) astrophysical modeling and (ii) mineralogical and geochemical studies of meteorites. In the first part of the article we review the recent results concerning the development of theoretical modeling of nucleosynthesis and mixing process in asymptotic giant branch. In the second part we report (1) the catalog of the Meteorite collection of University of Perugia and (2) major and trace elements mapping, performed through EPMA and LA-ICP-MS, of the Mineo pallasite, a unique sample hosted by the collection. The new data constrain the Mineo meteorite among the Main Group Pallasites and support the hypothesis of the "early giant impact" formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central–southern Italy is one of the most suitable areas in the world for tephrostratigraphic studies, owing to the numerous volcanic sources with explosive activity during the Pleistocene. This work presents a systematic investigation of the chemical (trace elements) and isotopic (Sr and Nd) compositions of the main tephra markers within lacustrine sediments of the San Gregorio Magno Basin (Campania, southern Italy). This study: (i) provides full geochemical (trace elements and isotopes) characterization of eight significant Upper Pleistocene marker layers (X‐6, X‐5, C‐22, MEGT/Y‐7, CI/Y‐5, C‐10, Y‐3, NYT/C2) widely dispersed over the Mediterranean area; (ii) proposes a new tephra marker for Marine Isotope Stage 7, dated to 240 ka; and (iii) refines the correlations of tephra levels belonging to the investigated sequence. This study highlights that in most cases the Nd isotope composition of the glass and Sr isotope composition of the coexisting minerals are more reliable than 87Sr/86Sr of the glass, and hence is more helpful as a further tool for tephrostratigraphic correlations, as recently proposed in the literature. Moreover, this study is a first step towards the construction of a complete geochemical database for future tephra investigations in the Mediterranean area. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-two glass objects (third to ninth centuries ad) have been investigated by means of SEM-EDS, EMPA, ICP-MS and LA-ICP-MS. Siliceous sands and natron were identified as the vitrifying and the fluxing agents, respectively. Colouring agents were iron for yellow/-green, aqua blue and blackish glass; cobalt for blue and, combined with iron, for brownish glass; and copper and lead antimonates for one emerald green glass. Antimony was the main decolourizer, while manganese was rarely used or effective. Half of the collection was probably of Levantine origin, while the other half was assigned to the North African coast (Egypt?). The reliability of the CaO-rich HIMT glass group has been consolidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core PRAD 1-2, located on the western flank of the Mid-Adriatic Deep, was investigated for tephra content within the part of the sequence assigned on biostratigraphic and sapropel-layer stratigraphy to MIS 5 and 6 (ca. 80–200 ka BP). A total of 11 discrete tephra layers are identified, 8 visible and 3 cryptotephra layers. 235 geochemical measurements obtained from individual glass shards using WDS-EPMA enabled 8 of the 11 tephras to be correlated to known eruption events, 5 of which are represented in the Lago Grande di Monticchio (LGdM) regional tephra archive sequence. Three of these layers are recognised ultra-distally for the first time, extending their known distributions approximately 210 km further north. The results provide an independent basis for establishing an age-depth profile for the MIS 5–6 interval in the PRAD 1-2 marine record. This approach allowed age estimates to be interpolated for the tephra layers that could not be correlated to known events. It also provides an independent test of, and support for, the broad synchroneity of sapropel-equivalent (S-E) events in the Adriatic Sea with the better-developed sapropel layers of the eastern Mediterranean, proposed by Piva et al. (2008a). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Plagioclase crystals from four basalt samples dredged from different portions of the Marsili seamount (Southern Tyrrhenian, Italy) provide a detailed record of the changes occurring in the surrounding magma during its ascent in the crust. The textural features and chemical zoning (i.e., An content and Fe, Mg, Sr and Ba concentrations) of the plagioclases from each sample show that aggregation of various generations of crystals occurred in the host melt prior to eruption. Plagioclases resulting from crystallisation in small sill intrusions, where local flotation of plagioclase may have occurred, are ubiquitous. Instead, large (up to 1mm) homogeneous An-rich plagioclases are rare and have only been found in two of the studied basalts, recovered from the northern and southern portions of the volcano, respectively. These crystals record crystallisation events occurring long before eruption, and probably derive from deep-seated crystalline material. At the highest An values, the Sr and Ba concentrations of the studied plagioclases also indicate the existence of two distinct mafic magmas within the lower crustal plumbing system of the Marsili volcano, one with lower Sr and Ba contents than the other. Three of the four studied basalts came from magma with low Sr and Ba, whereas the fourth, which erupted from the southern portion of the volcano, sampled magma richer in Sr and Ba. The ascent of magma caused resorption of the previously formed plagioclase crystals and regrowth of normally or inversely zoned portions, depending on the water-saturated or water-undersaturated conditions of the surrounding magma, respectively. Small shallow magmatic reservoirs may be located under the southern part of the Marsili volcano, as testified by the resorbed sodic cores (An52–57) found in the two basalt samples from this portion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The early medieval period marks an important turning point in the history of glassmaking, since it comprises the transition period between the mineral-based silica-soda-lime glass of the Roman tradition and the plant ash-based glass. With the aim of expanding the knowledge on the glass recipes and technologies of this period, 37 glass samples were analyzed, originating from the archaeological excavations of San Genesio (Tuscany) and dated from the fourth to the eleventh century. The major and minor element concentrations were measured with SEM-EDX, while the trace elements were quantified with LA-ICP-MS. The results were compared with published compositions of glass samples of similar age in order to highlight differences and similarities. The results offer a very interesting view on the glass circulation in the religious/residential/manufacturing center of San Genesio in the early medieval period. Most of the glass has a typical late-Roman composition, but some glass fragments are identified as soda ash glass. These are among the earliest medieval ash-fluxed glasses ever found in the Italian peninsula. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A systematic and extensive archaeometric study was carried out on the loose polychrome tesserae of the palaeo-Christian glass mosaic which decorated the votive chapel of St. Prosdocimus in Padova until its replacement by the current frescoes of Renaissance age and which is one of the only two known in the Veneto region (Italy). In particular, the present paper focuses on the ‘gold’ tesserae, i.e., tesserae with a metal foil, usually composed of gold, and characterised by transparent glass not deliberately coloured or decolourised. The main research aims were the identification of the ‘base composition’ of the glass used for mosaics and the reconstruction of production techniques. In addition, comparisons with major compositional groups identified in the literature allowed us to contextualise Paduan ‘gold’ tesserae in the wider context of glass production in the 6th century AD. The compositional characterisation of Paduan ‘gold’ tesserae, carried out by means of EMPA and LA-ICP-MS analyses, showed that most of the glass samples were obtained with natron as flux, although the coexistence of various production technologies and the extent of recycling, which confirm the 6th century AD as a period of technological transition, are documented. Identification of some soda ash tesserae also allowed us to attest Medieval restoration operations. The good match between compositional groups identified in the literature for glass vessels and compositional groups identified in the ‘gold’ tesserae suggests technological links between these two production types. The chemical similarity between ‘gold’ tesserae from Ravenna and some from Padova also links production technologies in these two towns during the 6th century; coupled with the results of the historical-artistic study, these factors provide further evidence to the hypothesis that the Paduan production was mainly influenced by the nearby city of Ravenna, the capital of Byzantine mosaics in Italy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The results of the geochemical analysis of 28 major, trace and rare earth elements, as well as carbon and oxygen isotopes, are presented for 17 microbialite samples from the St. Cassian Formation (NE Italy). These results have allowed the characterisation of the mineralogical composition of the microbialites as high-Mg calcite (>4.00 % mol Mg), the determination of their good state of preservation, and the detection of the influence of fine siliciclastic sedimentation during their growth. Furthermore, redox conditions of the palaeoenvironment were determined with the aid of these analyses. Finally, it was possible to compare the geochemical signals of the microbialites with that of skeletal components, allomicrites and cements in order to find possible metabolical relicts and/or evidence of biological activity using trace elements. Two methods were used to perform these analyses: Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and mass spectrometry to obtain carbon and oxygen isotope values. Microbialitic samples show medium to high contents of silicon and aluminium. These elements reflect the sedimentation of clays during the growth of microbialites. There is no correlation between the values of Mn/Sr and δ18O or between δ13C and δ18O, indicating the absence of meteoric diagenesis. Iron and manganese concentrations show a medium correlation with sulfur, which links the origin of these elements to early diagenetic processes. These processes can be confirmed by the high strontium content and the δ18O values. The microbialites are enriched with a vast array of minor and trace elements. Some elements of unknown biological importance (Rb, Ti, Zr, Nb and Th) are associated with certain major elements (r2 with Si > 0. 5), confirming their terrigenous origin. Other elements (Zn, Sb, Cr, V, Sn, Ni and Co) show no association with silicon or aluminium, yet they cannot be considered as metabolic residues due to their enrichment in non-biological phases. Instead, some of these elements (Cr, V, Ni and Co) were useful in determining the redox conditions of the palaeoenvironment of the St. Cassian Formation as slightly disoxic. Only copper and molybdenum are associated with a microbial origin, and the latter is also useful in determining redox conditions. Rare Earth Element analyses are not conclusive, since phosphorus, silicon and aluminium can significantly alter their precipitation processes. Due to the exceptional preservation of the studied material, it is possible to interpret all geochemical signals of the studied material as primary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Soils are characterized by an intrinsic variability through time and space at different scales of observation and are often affected by morphodynamic processes strictly interacting with pedogenesis, under changing (paleo)environmental/climatic conditions. We focus on exploring this interplay in modern soils and paleosols of southeast Sardinia (Italy), integrating two innovative techniques to a traditional pedological study: (i) laser ablation ICP-MS spot analyses applied to detect microscale distribution of trace elements in discrete soil features of organic-mineral (A) and argillic (Bt) horizons in thin sections, and (ii) radioactive disequilibria as tracers and chronometers of pedogenetic alteration and geomorphic dynamics. The Pleistocene paleosols developed mainly during interglacial periods, with important clay illuviation and rubification. The other soils are essentially characterized by organic matter incorporation into the profiles. Field discontinuities described within soil profiles, related to phases of sediment aggradation and/or surface erosion, are often supported by laboratory results, mainly micromorphological and geochemical data. LA-ICP-MS data show an overall trend of increase of most trace elements (REEs included) from skeletal rock fragments to both clayey and organic-rich soil matrix to clay coatings. This pathway is clearly controlled by the degree of weathering of primary minerals and by pedogenetic processes, where element adsorption onto reactive sites of organic matter and clay particles and clay illuviation play prominent roles. Recent trends of the studied soils/paleosols in terms of geomorphic stability (equilibrium) or morphodynamic processes (erosion/accumulation rates) are estimated using radionuclide disequilibria in the order of 1cm/a or lower. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fluid inclusions hosted in sanidine from xenoliths, representing the crystallization front of the AD 79 magma chamber of Vesuvius, offer a rare opportunity to track the composition of magmatic fluids exsolving at the peripheral part of a growing K-alkaline magma chamber disrupted by an explosive eruption. This work demonstrates that the exsolving magmatic fluids have a complex composition taking in evidence the great capability of metal transport by means of these solutions. Inclusions are particularly enriched in Zn, Mo, W, Sb, Bi, Tl and Pb. Metals display two different positive correlations: 1) Pb–Zn–Tl–Bi; 2) Mo–W. The different trends may reflect the different complexing agent for these elements (probably chloride for Pb–Zn–Tl–Bi and probably hydroxy for Mo–W). The occurrence of a “silicothermal” component in these fluids may furthermore favor the metal transport of these solutions. This is probably a major, previously underestimated process in the enrichment of some metals in magmatic–hydrothermal systems. This hypothesis may challenge conventional ideas on fluid-phase mass transport of components by means of magmatic–hydrothermal fluids, and should be taken into account in future works on these topics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work describes the compositional characterisation of coccciopesto and natural pozzolanic mortars sampled in the Regio VI area of the archaeological site of Pompeii, with particular reference to the Casa di Pansa in Insula 6 and Casa 17 in Insula 2. Samples were studied by optical microscopy and analysed by XRF, SEM-EDS, LA-ICP-MS and XRPD. The XRF and SEM-EDS data, subjected to multivariate analysis (cluster analysis), identified the three main construction phases involved in building the Casa di Pansa. In addition, mineralogical and petrographic characteristics of the aggregate were determined and found to be compatible with pyroclastic deposits from the volcano Vesuvius. Study revealed C–S–H phases in the binder, due to pozzolanic hydration phemomena of hydrated lime with cocciopesto and natural pozzalana. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A series of early Byzantine glasses, recovered in Ganzirri (Sicily, Italy), was analysed for major, minor and trace elements. All the analysed fragments were found to be natron-based silica–lime glass. Concerning minor and trace elements, the samples can be divided into two groups: glass with high Fe, Ti and Mn contents ( HIMT glass) and glass with low levels of Fe, Ti and Mn. These results, strictly in agreement with literature data for glass of the Mediterranean region, can be interpreted as a consequence of the wide trade network established in this region and of the intense circulation of raw glass and artefacts from different Mediterranean areas. X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies at Fe and Mn K-edges, performed on HIMT glass, indicate that Fe is in the oxidized form while Mn is in the reduced form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace element partition coefficients between clinopyroxenes and associated glassy matrix (Cpx/L D) have been determined for 13 REE, HFSE4+,5+, U, Th, Sr, Pb, Sc and V from combined LA-ICP-MS/EMP analyses in selected trachytes and trachyphonolites from Campi Flegrei. Composition of clinopyroxene and glass is pretty homogeneous in the trachyphonolites, pointing to an overall attainment of the equilibrium conditions. In trachytes, conversely, phases show some compositional heterogeneity (due to the presence of clinopyroxene xenocrysts) that requested a more careful petrographic and geochemical inspection of the samples to assess the equilibrium clinopyroxene composition. In the trachyte clinopyroxenes, REE are compatible from Nd to Lu (Cpx/L D up to 2.9), like Y, Ti, Sc and V. The Cpx/L D for Eu is lower than those of the adjacent REE, highlighting Eu2+ contribution. High D values are also shown by U, Th, Pb, Zr, Hf, Nb and Ta relatively to basaltic and andesitic systems, whereas the DSr is roughly similar to that found for less evolved magmas. Trachyphonolites are characterized by an overall decrease of the Cpx/L D for highly-charged cations (with the exception of V), and by a slight increase of DSr. REE are still compatible from Nd to Lu (Cpx/L D up to 2.1), like Ti, Y, Sc and V. This variation is also predicted for REE and Y by models based on the elastic strain theory, being consistent with the slightly lower polymerization degree estimated for the trachyphonolites. However, the observed Cpx/L D(REE,Y) are matched by the modelled ones only considering very low T (≤825°C), which are believed unlikely. This mismatch cannot be attributed to effects induced by the water-rich composition of the trachyte–trachyphonolite suite, since they would lower the observed Cpx/L D(REE,Y). Moreover, the anomalous inflections of measured Cpx/L D for HREE suggests some crystal-chemical control, such as the entrance of these elements in a site distinct from M2. It is concluded that the large Cpx/L D determined for trachytes and trachyphonolites are likely induced by hitherto unconstrained changes of the Z3+ activities related to the composition of melt and/or solid. All these considerations strongly highlight the importance of a direct characterization of trace element partitioning in natural samples from magmatic systems poorly characterized by experimental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An innovative methodological approach is proposed in this study, based on the chemical analysis of different portions of soil horizons (illuvial pedofeatures, pedogenic matrix and skeletal parent rock fragments) by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), associated with traditional micromorphological (optical and scanning electron microscopy) techniques. Validation of the LA-ICP-MS technique provides in situ accurate and reproducible (RSD 13–18%) analysis of low concentration trace elements and rare earth elements (REE) in soil samples (0.001–0.1 ppm). Analyses were carried out on thin sections prepared from undisturbed soil samples, collected from three different Bt (argillic, i.e. clay-illuviated) horizons in an Alfisol from the Muravera area (southeastern Sardinia, Italy). The main aims were (i) to develop and test the reliability of a LA-ICP-MS analytical method on soil thin sections and (ii) to explore the idea that concentrations of trace and rare earth elements in the different portions of a soil profile can be used to investigate their distribution, as a response to pedogenetic processes. The three horizons show similar features, particularly in terms of element concentrations and patterns. By comparing the concentration of REE and other trace elements in the clay coatings, the soil matrix and the skeletal rock fragments in the same horizon, a general enrichment trend is observed from the parent rock to the pedogenic matrix up to the illuvial pedofeatures, suggesting a prominent role of pedogenetic processes in element fractionation and distribution during weathering. In particular, the highest concentration of trace elements (and specifically REE) in clay coatings, which represent the most mobile solid phase in the soil profile, indicates that the former can be used as a reliable indicator of soil weathering if a preliminary assessment of the presence of clay coatings is achieved. In addition, the discontinuous trend of some trace elements among soil features of different horizons is consistent with field evidence of slope dynamics, marked by an erosive and depositional discontinuity along the soil profile. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The volcanic products of Lipari Island (Aeolian Arc, Italy) younger than 10 ka are mostly aphyric rhyolitic pumices and obsidians emitted during unusual strombolian-type eruptions, which ended with the emplacement of lava flows. The last volcanic activity on the island dates back to 1230±40 AD, with the extrusion of Rocche Rosse (RR) obsidian lava flow. Recently, mafic enclaves of latitic to trachytic composition have been identified and an evolution process between these enclaves and the rhyolitic magma has been documented in detail [Davì, M., 2007. The Rocche Rosse rhyolitic lava flow (Lipari, Aeolian Islands): magmatological and volcanological aspects. Plinius, supplement to the European Journal of Mineralogy 33, 1–8]. In this work textural and trace-element investigation of mineral phases of the RR enclaves, such as crystals of clinopyroxene, olivine, plagioclase, alkali-feldspar and biotite, was carried out to delineate the most recent feeding system of the island, since such a reconstruction could be significant in terms of hazard forecasting. The results indicate that most of the mineral phases are reversely or oscillatory zoned with respect to both major and trace elements, suggesting an early crystallization under low fO2 conditions from melts of intermediate composition, followed by a later growth from a more mafic (presumably shoshonitic–basaltic) magma than that from which their cores crystallized. Crystals of magnesium-rich pyroxene and forsteritic-rich olivine are indicative of the presence of this shoshonitic basaltic magma. Based on microanalytical data, it is suggested here that the feeding system of recent Lipari volcanic activity was characterized by a shoshonitic–basaltic magma originating from a deep reservoir, which may have evolved and stopped in the crust, generating zoned magma chambers at different depths, in which latitic and rhyolitic magmas reside. The sudden arrival of a new input of mafic melt may have interacted with these resident fractionated magmas and triggered the eruption. A plumbing system of this type has been shown to be active in the southern sector of the Aeolian Islands since the last 42 ka [Gioncada, A., Mazzuoli, R., Milton, A., 2005. Magma mixing at Lipari (Aeolian Islands, Italy): Insights from textural and compositional features of phenocrysts. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res. 145, 97–118; Peccerillo, A., Frezzotti, M.L., De Astis, G., Ventura, G., 2006. Modeling the magma plumbing system of Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy) by integrated fluid-inclusion geobarometry, petrology and geophysics. Geology 34, 17–20]. It is concluded that the hazard assessment of Lipari Island should take into account the arrival of deep and never erupted mafic melts as eruption triggers of more evolved shallower magma bodies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this work a rare and attractive blue diopside present in Sissone valley in the Western Alps was investigated through different methodologies: geological survey; standard gemological methods; X-Ray Powder Diffraction; SEM observations; Raman spectrometry; EMP analyses of major elements; and LA-ICP-MS analyses for minor and trace elements. The host rock of investigated gems is represented by a Mg-calcite bearing marble, belonging to the Suretta nappe and composed of blue diopside, lizardite, phlogopite, forsterite, Ca-Mg-amphibole, and thomsonite; the rock was metamorphosed by the intrusion of Masino-Bregaglia pluton. The diopside is generally found in the core of veins in contact with green–blue tremolite and, more externally, with green–yellowish lizardite. The diopside samples show opaque diaphaneity, are inert to long and short-waves UV radiation, and their specific density varies between 3.24 and 3.30 g/cm3 while medium refraction between 1.680–1.683. The diopside shows a polycrystalline texture with interstitial Mg-calcite which acts as binder. The characteristic blue–turquoise color is mainly determined by traces of V and subordinately of Fe, Mn, Cr and Ti. The contents of V and Ti show a good positive correlation. The minerals associated with diopside in the lenticular veins also show enrichments in V. The blue diopside of the Sissone valley could certainly present a good commercial value, but unfortunately it is difficult to reach the outcrop sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultramafic soils are characterized by severe edaphic conditions induced by a low content of essential nutrients, an adverse Ca/Mg ratio, a low water-holding capacity, and high contents of geogenic potentially toxic elements (PTEs), in particular Cr, Ni, and Co. These metals commonly exceed the content limits set by environmental agencies and governments, representing serious environmental risks for ecosystems and human health. In alpine environments, ultramafic soils are characterized by modest thickness and poor horizon differentiation. Several studies on ultramafic soils have shown that their properties may be directly related to the characteristics of the parent rocks, but most of these studies deal with soil chemistry, metal availability, isotopic composition, and pedological characterization. The aim of this research is to investigate how much the geotectonic characteristics of ultramafic bedrocks, such as the degree of serpentinization, metamorphic imprint, and deformation, may affect the mineralogical and chemical variations of ultramafic soils, including the occurrence and potential mobility of the PTEs. Using a multiscale and multi-analytical approach, we fully characterize the properties and mineralogical composition of soil profiles with different ultramafic parent rocks, i.e., partially serpentinized peridotite, massive serpentinites, and foliated serpentinites, sampled within the Voltri Massif High Pressure–Low Temperature (HP–LT) metaophiolite (Western Alps, Italy). Our results, related to soils located at comparable latitude, altitude, landscape position, and pedological environment, outline that the degree of serpentinization, the metamorphic imprint, and the deformation history of the ultramafic parent rocks are key factors influencing soil evolution, mineralogy, and chemistry, as well as PTEs distribution and mobility. Moreover, this study shows that the high content of Cr, Ni, and Co in the studied ultramafic soils has to be considered of geogenic origin and highlights the need for new approaches and methods to obtain indications on the potential contamination of natural or anthropogenic soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic behavior and inherent spatial heterogeneity, at different hierarchic levels, of the soil system often make the spatial distribution of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) quite complex and difficult to assess correctly. This work demonstrates that the application of laser ablation spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to soil thin sections constitutes an ancillary powerful tool to well-established analytical methods for tracing the behavior and fate of potential soil contaminants at the microsite level. It allowed to discriminate the contribution of PTMs in distinct soil sub-components, such as parent rock fragments, neoformed, clay-enriched or humified matrix, and specific pedogenetic features of illuvial origin (unstained or iron-stained clay coatings) even at very low contents. PTMs were analyzed in three soil profiles located in the Muravera area (Sardinia, Italy), where several, now abandoned mines were exploited. Recurrent trends of increase of many PTMs from rock to pedogenic matrix and to illuvial clay coatings, traced by LA-ICP-MS compositional data, revealed a pedogenetic control on metal fractionation and distribution, based on adsorption properties of clay minerals, iron oxyhydroxides or organic matter, and downprofile illuviation processes. The main PTMs patterns coupled with SEM-EDS analyses suggest that heavy metal-bearing mineral grains were sourced from the mine plants, in addition to the natural sedimentary input. The interplay between soil-forming processes and geomorphic dynamics significantly contributed to the PTMs spatial distribution detected in the different pedogenetic horizons and soil features.