Bauxites are the primary mineral resource for alumina and aluminium production. Recently, there has been growing interest in the chemical characterisation of bauxite, as it is listed as a critical raw material (CRM) by the European Union and can contain elevated content of rare earth elements (REE), which are also listed as CRM. This research focuses on the REE content and distribution across profiles of four Slovenian bauxite occurrences of different ages (Triassic T32+3, Jurassic J31,2, Cretaceous K22,3 and Oligocene Ol2) and their implications for potential genesis. General mineral composition analysed by XRD showed a prevalence of böhmite and kaolinite in all samples except Ol2, where diaspore is the main Al-hydroxide. Minor minerals include hematite, quartz, and anatase. Geochemical ICP-MS analysis showed the lowest REE content in Cretaceous bauxites (average 218 mg/kg) and the highest in Jurassic bauxites (average 711 mg/kg). SEM/EDS inspection revealed different carriers of REE. The main carriers of REEs in all profiles are mostly detrital, with some individual secondary authigenic xenotime, secondary authigenic cerianite (Ce) (T32+3, J31,2), calcioancylite (Nd) or cerianite (Ce) without Th (J31,2, Ol2), lanthanite (Ce) and (Nd). Relatively low P2O5 indicates dispersion of REEs throughout a profile and their adsorption onto Al/Fe oxides and hydroxides and clay minerals. The T32+3, J31,2 and K22,3 bauxites show a changing Eh-pH environment, which supports their categorisation as vadose bauxites, while the Ol2 profile is phreatic bauxite where redox conditions prevailed.

Wildfire can significantly alter karst surface environments, yet its impact on cave systems and speleothem archives remains poorly understood. This study investigates the relationship between surface fire events and their imprint on inverted ages recorded in soil and flowstone in the Postojna (Slovenia) karst area. We present new radiocarbon (14C) ages from charcoal preserved in a well-developed Luvisol and from a carbon-rich black layer enclosed within cave flowstone, complemented by U/Th dating of flowstone and micromineralogical analyses of soil horizons. Charcoal ages range from modern (110 years BP) to the Late Pleistocene (∼31,000 years BP). Reversed age sequences are observed in the deepest Bt3 soil horizon and in the cave flowstone and are linked to downslope movement triggered by a major palaeofire around 92,000 years BP. This process transported older (∼31,000 years BP) charcoal downslope, hindered soil respiration, and altered meteoric-water infiltration, resulting in anomalously high dead carbon fractions (DCF ≈ 40–90%). δ13C signatures support shifts between open Late Pleistocene steppe-tundra and denser Holocene forest vegetation, while highly depleted δ13C values in the flowstone black layer reflect soot inputs from high-temperature combustion. Evidence of magnetite, maghemite, and mullite confined to the Bt3 horizon confirms high-temperature wildfire. Integrating soil, cave, and mineralogical data demonstrates that major wildfire events can generate synchronous surface–subsurface signals, affect sediment redistribution on karst slopes, and produce identifiable fire horizons within speleothems. The study highlights the potential of combined soil charcoal and speleothem archives to reconstruct palaeofire activity and landscape evolution in karst environments.

Understanding decay processes in peat deposits is fundamental for predicting their role as sources or sinks of atmospheric carbon in a changing environment. It is known that the distribution of microhabitats -hummock, lawn and hollow- within peatlands affects organic matter quality and degradation, but microtopographydependent carbon dynamics are poorly understood on the molecular level. We studied early decomposition across microtopography levels through analyses of superficial moss cores from a Sphagnum-dominated ombrotrophic peatland in Central Germany, and a 400-day incubation experiment, using analytical pyrolysis. Interpretations were aided by analysis of living vegetation and a deep peat core as reference. Stable and labile pools of polysaccharides dominated the pyrolyzates and played a crucial role in decay dynamics. Two distinct degradation processes emerged: 1) anaerobic decay, characterized by loss of polysaccharides and selective preservation of lignin and aliphatic OM; and 2) leaching of labile phenolic compounds (including sphagnum acid) and free carbohydrates with concomitant initial aerobic degradation and selective preservation of structural polysaccharides. The relative importance of these initial decay processes is spatially dependent; anaerobic decay was detectable in only some of the more evolved hollow layers, while aerobic degradation and leaching dominated in hummocks. Sphagnum acid's molecular markers appeared useful tracers of early decay as it probably has a leaching-sensitive component in hyaline cells (corroborated by SEM micrographs) that is lost rapidly from hummocks, but not from hollows. Hence, the occurrence of sphagnum acid in peat cores is influenced by microrelief position during peat accretion. This study highlights how microhabitat variations within peatlands influence decay mechanisms on the molecular level.

Children’s lead exposure in three mining-impacted residential areas (Črna, Mežica and Žerjav) was modelled using the Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic Model for Lead in Children (IEUBK). Site-specific environmental and dietary Pb source values were determined for modelling. For the first time, dietary exposure from both market and local foods was studied in detail. Children (Group 1: 24–36 and Group 2: 36–48 months) geometric mean blood lead levels (BLLs) were predicted and lead uptake from multiple sources was quantified according to the different dietary exposure scenarios. Biomonitoring data were used for validation. Site-specific soil, house dust and local food Pb contents are higher than legislative and background levels, remaining a cause for concern. Drinking tap water concentrations and outdoor air contents were found in acceptable levels. The determined dietary exposures, ranging from 0.7 to 3.3 µg/kg bw/day, were above the benchmark dose level of 0.5 µg/kg bw/day for developmental neurotoxicity set for Pb in children, indicating a health concern. In general, the estimated BLLs matched reasonably well with the observed BLLs in the Črna and Mežica area for both age groups and in the Žerjav area for Group 2. For Group 1, in the Žerjav area, the output of the IEUBK model overestimated the actual BLLs of the children. For both groups, the primary exposure pathway in Žerjav is from soil/dust, ranging from 55.3 to 84.8%. In Črna and Mežica, soil/dust exposure ranged between 24.2 and 57.8% and between 26.4 and 61.7%, respectively, indicating that dietary exposure predominates when local foods are included. The results of our study also suggest that using the IEUBK default diet value would reduce the dietary exposure up to 25.2% in Črna, 24.2% in Mežica and 8.6% in Žerjav. One of the main findings is that a diet containing local foods can be an important source of lead in mining-contaminated areas.

The results of the monitoring of the contents of potentially toxic elements (PTE) in sediments (2013, 2017, 2020) and waters (2017, 2020) of the Meža River and its tributaries, which drain mining waste deposits, are presented. A total of 13 sample sites were established in a sample scheme that enables long-term observation of the impact of mining waste deposits. In the sediments, the content of PTE, especially Pb, Zn, Cd, Mo and As, is greatly elevated and fluctuates with time. The study area is affected by more than 300 years of mining and ore processing industry. The differences in the contents in various years are most pronounced in the Meža River tributaries, which drain the mining waste dumps. Hydrological conditions have a significant influence on the contents in sediments, as PTE content increases with higher water level and higher water flow. Water erosion of mining waste dumps has a significant impact on the discharge of contaminated material into watercourses. In contrast, in the upper part of the Meža River, we did not observe strong influence of higher water level on the content of PTE in the sediments. Fluctuations in the content between individual years and fluctuations between various hydrological conditions are higher again in the middle part of the the Meža river, downstream from Žerjav. The presented results demonstrate that the contents of Pb, Zn, Cd, Mo and As in the sediments of the Meža River and its tributaries are very high and that they by far exceed the legislative critical value for the soil. PTE contents in the surface water are elevated in some locations and do not change significantly over time. The local concentrations of Pb, Cd and Zn exceed the legislative guidelines. We estimate that the dynamics of the sediment load in the Meža River along the towns of Črna na Koroškem, Žerjav and Mežica is very complex. In addition to mining waste deposits, the content of PTE in sediments and waters is also affected by scattered sources in the environment, such as contaminated soil and floodplains and their varying degrees of pollution, as the environment has been burdened by long-term mining, ore processing and smelting activities. Current industrial activity may also have an additional environmental impact.

Particulate matter concentrations (PM10, PM2.5, PM1) and microclimatic parameters (air temperature, CO2) were monitored in the Škocjan Caves (Slovenia). The effects of tourist visits on the PM concentrations and the cave’s microclimate are immediate and direct, but these values normalise relatively quickly. The results showed seasonal, diurnal, and spatial differences in all parameters studied. Due to the higher number of visitors, their influence on the cave’s microclimate and PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations is greater in summer than in winter. The measured PM1 levels depend on the ventilation in the cave, as air transport plays an important role in their introduction into the cave. PM consists of minerals of natural origin resulting from the re-suspension of cave sediments due to strong air currents generated by the opening of the doors to tourists and their walks. The second most common influence is the anthropogenic phases originating from maintenance work in the cave, electronic devices, cave lighting and emissions from outside the cave (aerosols from the polluted Reka River, industry, traffic, gypsum waste disposal). In order to upgrade the sustainable use of the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves for tourism, we propose regular monitoring of PM and a detailed characterization of individual PMs and their sources, in addition to monitoring of the cave’s microclimate and biology.

One of the sources of chronic exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTE), especially in polluted environments, is the inhalation of resuspended road dust (RD). The aim of this study is to assess the inhalation bioaccessibility of PTE in RD from highly polluted environments from mining/smelting industries and traffic, and to identify any correlations between the bioaccessibility fraction of PTE and the physicochemical characteristics of the particles. RD from the studied area contains extremely high total concentrations of Cr, V, and Mn, which are likely due to pollution from the smelting industry. Additionally, elevated total concentrations of other elements associated with traffic emissions including Zn, Cu, Pb, Sb, and Sn were also measured. The bioaccessibility of PTE was assessed using two synthetic extraction solutions - Gamble's solution (GS) and Artificial Lysosomal Fluid (ALF). The majority of elements showed negligible bioaccessibility in GS. However, quite high inhalation bioaccessibility was observed for Zn, Pb, Sb, Cd, and Mn in the ALF solution, with a mean bioaccessible fraction of 49, 51.5, 41, 50, and 40% respectively. The highest bioavailable fraction was measured for Cd (97%) in a sample collected near a steel production facility and for Pb (95%) in a sample collected near the highway. These results indicate that increased mobility of the elements in inhaled particles occurs only in the case of phagocytosis. The lowest inhalation bioavailability was measured for Cr (mean is 3%). Differential individual particle analysis revealed that about 60% of phases, mostly major (Cr,Ti,V)-bearing metallic alloys, silicates, oxides and sulphides, are stable in ALF solution, while 40% of phases, mostly (Fe,Ca,Mn)-bearing oxides, silicates, sulphides, metals and metallic alloys originating from steel production, ferrochrome, ferrosilicon and vanadium production and from traffic emissions have been heavily corroded or completely dissolved. The study provides valuable information to further assess health hazards from various emission sources.

The origin of the soils formed on carbonate rocks remains uncertain, as they are probably of polygenetic origin. Of particular interest are the elevated contents of some trace elements detected in these soils, as they can hardly be attributed to insoluble residues of carbonate rock. The aim of this study was to uncover the relationship between heavy minerals in bedrock and soil and to identify other sources that influence the mineral and chemical composition of soil. We investigated representative samples of soils and dolomite bedrock as well as sandstones and marlstones from the nearby flysch basin as an expected source of the aeolian contribution. XRD and SEM/EDS showed that mineral diversity is higher in soils compared to the dolomites. Heavy minerals found in dolomite insoluble residue include sphalerite, Ti-oxide (probably rutile), zircon, fluorite, pyrite, minerals of REE phosphates and apatite group, interpreted as terrigenous detrital material. The mineral composition of soil heavy fraction is only partly following insoluble residues of bedrock and indicates possible aeolian contribution. Comparison with nearby flysch sandstones and marlstones showed similarities in mineralogical diversity by the presence of chromite and Fe-Cr(Mn) oxides (probably carmichaelite). Other minerals present in soils and flysch layers, such as Ti-oxide (probably rutile), zircon, REE phosphates, and pyrite grains, however, show similarities in mode of occurrence and transport indications. Signs of aeolian transport on the grains detected in soils were further confirmed by SEM/EDS.

Mining waste deposits (MWDs) represent significant and constant pollution source for the environment worldwide, thus it is very important to identify and diminish their environmental impacts. The aim of this study was to determine long-term environmental impacts and their temporal variations of MWDs in Pb-Zn mining districts in Slovenia and assess stability of potentially harmful element (PHE)-bearing phases in stream water. The results showed that investigated MWDs are important source of PHEs in stream sediments and that PHEs mostly occur as fine-grained and liberated PHE-bearing ore minerals. MWDs have generally stronger impact on sediments of smaller streams draining MWDs and main streams close to their confluences, however, fine-grained PHE-bearing material is transported along major watercourses over long distances causing regional pollution. Main ore minerals are mostly soluble in stream water. However, measured PHE leaching potential of MWDs is negligible. PHE levels in stream waters are thus low, demonstrating that drainage of MWDs predominantly contributes to PHE pollution in solid particulate form. Possible long-term remediation solution that would reduce environmental impact is recovery of metals from fine grain size fractions of MWDs, which could become an effective practice in sustainable management of historical MWDs. However, further studies of MWDs' secondary resource potential, processing technology and evaluation of environmental aspects of extraction are needed.

This study examined the provenance of stone tesserae from three Roman mosaics from Celje, Slovenia, using optical microscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Nine microfacies were distinguished. Miliolid limestones identified in the white tesserae, and mudstones/laminated wackestones in the black tesserae, suggest they originated from the Karst region. The sparry limestone in the yellow tesserae probably originates from the Mediterranean. The mudstone/wackestone with planktonic foraminifera in the red tesserae originates from an outcrop in southwestern Slovenia. Green tesserae tuffs are of local origin, whereas the white tuffs could originate from Italian Oligo-Miocene volcanism rhyolites.

The potential environmental impact of historical mining and ore processing on stream sediments and water was studied in a small siderite iron ore deposit with diverse sulfide mineral paragenesis. The main aim was to characterize solid carriers of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in stream sediments and mine waste, to understand their fate in fluvial systems. General mineralogy (X-ray powder diffraction) and individual solid PTE carriers (scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy) were correlated with the geochemical composition of stream sediments, mine waste, and stream waters (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). Primary solid PTE carriers were pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, Hg-bearing sphalerite, galena, and siderite. Slightly alkaline and oxidizing conditions in stream water promoted the transformation of primary phases into secondary PTE carriers. Fe(Mn)-oxide/oxyhydroxides were major sinks for Pb, Zn, and As. Compared to background levels, Co (14.6 ± 2.1 mg/kg), Cu (30 ± 2.9 mg/kg), Ni (32.1 ± 2.9 mg/kg), Pb (64.5 ± 16.4 mg/kg), Zn (175.3 ± 22.5 mg/kg), As (81.1 ± 63.7 mg/kg), and Hg (2 ± 0.8 mg/kg) were elevated in mining area. Mine waste contained similar PTE carriers as stream sediments, but much higher PTE contents. Prevailingly low PTE concentrations in streams, with the exception of As (1.97 ± 2.4 µg/L) and Zn (4.5 ± 5.7 µg/L), indicate the stability of PTE carriers. Environmental effects were not significant, and additional monitoring is recommended.

Utilization of natural raw materials, such as zeolites, for the remediation of mercury-contaminated environments is desirable. The main issue is the possibility of disposing mercury-saturated zeolite in nature without negative impact on the environment. In order to get an answer to this issue, the sorption properties of natural and modified zeolite were first examined. Two- stage modification of the natural zeolite was performed with aqueous solutions of Fe(NO)(3)center dot 9H(2)O and Na2S center dot 9H(2)O, with detailed physicochemical characterization. At the defined optimal sorption conditions, pH(o) = 2 and solid/liquid ratio of 10 g/L, the obtained sorption capacity of natural zeolite was 0.282 mmol Hg/g, and of modified zeolite 0.966 mmol Hg/g. Almost 3.5-fold higher sorption capacity of modified zeolite justifies modification method. Leaching experiments confirmed that the modified zeolite retains mercury better than the natural one. The Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure indicated the presence of mercury in leachates above the prescribed value of 0.2 mg/L, pointing that saturated zeolites should be stabilized/solidified before disposal.

When playing in sandboxes, children are particularly vulnerable to poisoning with potentially toxic elements (PTE) due to their hand-to-mouth behaviour. In Slovenia, the city of Celje is heavily contaminated due to zinc ore smelting and iron industry. In some sandboxes, sand from Mežica Pb-Zn mine waste was used. Granulometric and XRF analysis showed that all samples contain larger percentage of fine-sized particles and some have higher As, Ba, Cd, Pb and Zn contents than allowed. By XRD and SEM/EDS analysis we identified carries of PTE, and confirmed three possible sources of contamination: the waste material from the Pb-Zn mine, the emissions from local industry and from the old Zn-smelting stockpile used as a landfill. The total health risk (ΣHI) exceeds critical value in one sandbox. The bioaccessibility of PTEs is alarming due to presence of highly soluble metal-bearing particles. Study revealed importance of combining results of health risk evaluation with bioaccessibility of elements, which is a function of the carriers of PTE. This knowledge is essential for undertaking remedial measures. Improper use of waste material could result in introducing hazardous material in the environment. We propose frequent replacement of sand and stricter legislation regulating status and usage of waste materials.

PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in Ljubljana city bus were monitored during entire shift, and individual particles were morphologically and chemically characterised in order to determine PM concentration variability, particle sources, solubility in simulated pulmonary environment and effects on human health. PM measurements revealed high mean PM10 (82.8 μg/m3) and PM2.5 (47 μg/m3), which were highest and most variable during rush hours with fluid traffic and lowest during traffic jams with standing vehicles. Individual particle analysis showed that airborne particles were dominated by metal-bearing phases, particularly small-sized (Cr,Mn,Zn)-bearing Fe-oxyhydroxides and Al-/Fe-Al-oxides, large (Fe,Cr,Ni)- and (Cu,Zn,Ni)-alloys, and small-sized Sb-sulphide and Ba-sulphate. Non-metallic phases were represented by (Ca,Mg)-carbonates, Al-silicates, Na-chloride and Ca-sulphate. Comparison with possible source materials (vehicle exhaust emissions, brake disc dust and road sediment) showed that primary sources of these metal-bearing phases were wear of brake discs, brake pads and tyres, and also wear of engine components and catalytic converters. Most non-metallic phases originated from resuspension of road sediment, containing road sanding materials, but also from emissions of burned fuel and lubricating oil (Ca-sulphate). Assessment of effects on human health indicated that mean PM concentrations, which significantly exceeded daily limit values, increased mortality (by 2–3%) and morbidity (by 7–8%) risk for bus drivers. Simplified PHREEQC calculations of airborne metal-bearing phase solubility in aqueous solutions simulating pulmonary environment showed that metallic Fe, Ba-sulphate, Sb-sulphide and Al-oxide, partly also Cu-bearing metal alloys, were soluble under reducing and oxidising conditions, but released metals were removed from solution by precipitation of stable secondary metal-bearing phases.

The presented work provides a comprehensive inventory of data on closed (or in closing phase) and abandoned underground and surface mines and mining waste sites in Slovenia, collected within the framework of the Geological Survey of Slovenia (GeoZS) over the last two decades. Furthermore, a detailed overview of information on closed and abandoned mining waste sites in Slovenia is given. In order to establish the inventory, a definition of the work methodology, a comprehensive research of the archived and published literature, and the harmonisation and management of the collected data was carried out. Based on a selected methodology, the inventory contains information on 33 metal mines, 43 coal mines, 51 non-metallic mineral resource mines, 156 waste sites from metal mines and 18 waste sites from coal mines. The inventory is in the open access Google Earth file. It provides a basis for further research into the environmental impact of mining waste, which has been carried out since the EU Directive on the management of waste from extractive industries (Directive 2006/21/EC hereafter) was adopted into national law. In general, about 11,621,333 m3 of waste sites from metal mines and 76,188,000 m3 of waste sites from coal mines are covering about 678 hectares of Slovenian territory. More than half (64 %) of the waste from metal mines was produced in the Mežica lead and zinc mine, while the other two mines with a still significant share of produced waste were the Idrija mercury mine (18 %) and the Žirovski vrh uranium mine (15 %). Among the closed coal mines, the largest amount (46 %) of waste was generated by the coal mine Trbovlje-Hrastnik, while the other two coal mines with still significant share of waste produced were Kočevje (28 %) and Kanižarica (17 %).

Attic and household dusts from Pb-polluted area were investigated using various analytical techniques for source apportionment and assessment of source contribution of metal-bearing phases. Mineralogically, attic dust consists of gypsum, anhydrite, and metal-bearing phases, while household dust comprises C-bearing particles and only minor metal-bearing phases. Sulfur isotope composition of sulfides and sulfates in attic dust shows that they result from past primary smelting of local sulfide ore, while those in household dust originate directly from local mine-waste material. Pb isotope ratios show that Pb-bearing phases in both dust types mostly originate from mining and primary smelting of local Pb-ore. Individual metal-bearing particles were apportioned by their composition, morphology, and mineralogy to phases from past Pb-smelting, present-day Pb-recycling, and past mining/mine-waste mechanical processing. Calculated source contribution of metal-bearing phases to indoor dust showed that primary Pb-smelting was important pollution source in the past, while active Pb-recycling has contributed only negligible amount of material so far. However, material from mining/mine-waste processing is an important currently active pollution source. Study demonstrated that simultaneous investigation of characteristics and isotopic composition of metal-bearing phases in different indoor dust types serves as tool for assessment of source contribution of past and recent airborne metal pollution.

Aerosol vertical profiles are valuable inputs for the evaluation of aerosol transport models, in order to improve the understanding of aerosol pollution ventilation processes which drive the dispersion of pollutants in mountainous regions. With the aim of providing high-accuracy vertical distributions of particle mass concentration for the study of aerosol dispersion in small-scale valleys, vertical profiles of aerosol mass concentration for aerosols from different sources (including Saharan dust and local biomass burning events) were investigated over the Vipava valley, Slovenia, a representative hot-spot for complex mixtures of different aerosol types of both anthropogenic and natural origin. The analysis was based on datasets taken between 1–30 April 2016. In-situ measurements of aerosol size, absorption, and mass concentration were combined with lidar remote sensing, where vertical profiles of aerosol concentration were retrieved. Aerosol samples were characterized by SEM-EDX, to obtain aerosol morphology and chemical composition. Two cases with expected dominant presence of different specific aerosol types (mineral dust and biomass-burning aerosols) show significantly different aerosol properties and distributions within the valley. In the mineral dust case, we observed a decrease of the elevated aerosol layer height and subsequent spreading of mineral dust within the valley, while in the biomass-burning case we observed the lifting of aerosols above the planetary boundary layer (PBL). All uncertainties of size and assumed optical properties, combined, amount to the total uncertainty of aerosol mass concentrations below 30% within the valley. We have also identified the most indicative in-situ parameters for identification of aerosol type.

Geochemical background and threshold values need to be established to identify areas with unusually high concentrations of elements. High concentrations are caused by natural or anthropogenic processes. The <2 mm fraction of 817 collected topsoil (0 – 10 cm) samples at a 5 × 5 km grid on the territory of Slovenia was analysed. Results are used here to establish the geochemical background variation and threshold values, derived statistically from the data set, in order to identify unusually high element concentrations for these elements in the soil samples. Geochemical threshold values were determined following different methods of calculation for (1) whole of Slovenia and (2) for 8 spatial units determined on the base of geological structure, lithology, relief, climate and vegetation. Medians and geochemical thresholds for whole of Slovenia were compared with data for Europe and for southern Europe separately, since large differences in the spatial distribution of many elements are observed between northern and southern Europe. Potentially toxic elements (PTEs), namely As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn, are of particular interest. Medians of these PTE elements are all higher in Slovenia than in southern Europe. Medians of Pb and Mo are 1.5 times higher and medians of Hg and Cd are even more than 2 times higher in Slovenia. Geochemical thresholds for As, Cr, Co, Ni, Sb and Zn are of similar values in both Slovenia and southern Europe and some lower for Cu and Ni. Up to 1.5 times higher are tresholds in Slovenia for Mo and Pb and more than 2.5 times higher for Cd and Hg. These values were then compared to existing Slovenian soil guideline values for these elements.

Common rock-forming and accessory minerals in marbles from various localities in Slovenia were studied using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Minerals and their chemical composition were identified in order to verify the variability of mineral assemblages in marbles from different localities in Slovenia. The analysis showed that marbles from Košenjak are the most mineralogically diverse, followed by Pohorje and finally Strojna marbles. Common rock-forming minerals calcite and dolomite are more abundant in Pohorje marbles where calcite contains higher levels of magnesium but no strontium and iron as compared with Strojna and Košenjak marbles. Accessory minerals like quartz, mica, titanite, apatite, rutile, zircon, chlorite group minerals, kaolinite and iron oxides/hydroxides were found in marbles from all localities. Clinopyroxene, amphibole, epidote and smectite group minerals, talc, tungsten-bearing ilmenorutile, psilomelane and bismuth oxides/carbonates, were observed only in marbles from Pohorje, while tourmaline and allanite group minerals, thorite or huttonite, chalcopyrite and synchysite group minerals were detected in marbles from Košenjak and Strojna. Variations in mineral assemblages in marbles from different locations are likely a consequence of different sedimentary environment and conditions and metamorphic grade of marble. These differences indicate that marbles from Košenjak and Strojna are genetically different from those from Pohorje and probably reflect mineral composition of the protolith. Thus, they enable rough distinction between more distant locations, but not between individual sub-localities.