Geological and geochemical characterization of the Kelbadjar (Kechaldag) obsidian source in Azerbaijan, Lesser Caucasus

In this paper, the geological and geochemical characterizations of the Kechaldag (a.k.a. Kelbadzhar and Kel-badjar) obsidian source in southwestern Azerbaijan are presented. Samples were collected from primary out-crops, and analyzed by XRF at the University of Missouri Research Reactor. The contents of 12 elements were measured. This allowed us to obtain for the first time a comprehensive geochemical signature of the Kechaldag obsidian source that was less known previously. On the Rb. vs. Sr bivariate plot, Kechaldag is clearly separated from the neighboring Syunik group and other sources of the Lesser Caucasus. The data generated by us can be used for in-depth study of obsidian exploitation in the Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Age of the Lesser Caucasus and neighboring regions.

Automated summary

This paper presents the geological and geochemical characterizations of the Kechaldag obsidian source in southwestern Azerbaijan. The comprehensive geochemical signature of the Kechaldag obsidian source was obtained for the first time, providing data for in-depth study of obsidian exploitation in the Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Age of the Lesser Caucasus and neighboring regions.