Leave no mudstone unturned: Geochemical proxies for provenancing mudstone temper sources in South-Western Cyprus

In this case study, geological samples from relevant mudstone sources were analysed as reference materials to describe the possible types of mudstone inclusions. Sr and Pb isotopic data were the primary means for distinguishing between the two major formations, as they closely relate to the differences in depositional setting. Based on the established isotopic classification, microtextural analysis and elemental mapping data were also compared to determine if members of the two formations are distinguishable at this level. Finally, as the isotopic approach proved to be the one offering better results, a theoretical outline for utilizing this type of information to determine the provenance of mudstones in ceramic sherds is presented.