Comparative geochemistry of pelites from the Moinian and Appin Group (Dalradian) of Scotland

Summary Pelitic schists from the Appin Group of the Dalradian Supergroup are all chemically distinct from pelitic schists in the older Moinian Supergroup. In addition, trace-element geochemistry can also discriminate between the individual pelitic schists within the Appin Group, especially those within the Lochaber Subgroup. These differences apparently relate mainly to differences in provenance rather than differences of sedimentary environment, and are sufficiently consistent to offer a means for correlation or identification of pelitic units in areas of the Central Highlands where the stratigraphy is still in dispute.