Neogene Alkali Basalts from Central Slovakia (Ostrá Lúka Lava Complex); Mineralogy and Geochemistry

Abstract

Ostrá Lúka basalts are a product of the final phase of Neogene volcanism in Central Slovakia. Their major and trace elements composition is alkaline, a feature confirmed by light rare earth elements (LREE) relative enrichment and some incompatible trace elements ratios. The basalts contain rare surrounded gabbro cumulates. Their peculiarity is a strong zonation of olivines and clinopyroxene. The significant zonation probably indicates a short stop of the melt at shallow depth. The Sr, Nd and Pb isotope compositions indicate an origin from a moderately depleted mantle source. The mineral and chemical composition of the basalts is similar to the Pannonian basin alkali basalts and the Western and Central Europe alkali basalts.

Keywords

• mineralogy
• geochemistry
• alkali basalt
• Ostrá Lúka lava complex
• Central Slovakia
• Western Carpathians