Observations on the desmositic and spilositic rocks in the Dinarides

The Jurassic volcano-sedimentary formation of the Dinarides is build up of diabases, spilites, cherts, argillaceous sediments, desmositic and spilositic rocks. Tuffs, however, are rare.The desmositic and associated spilositic rocks encircle volcanics, and build up zones several km wide and up to one km thick. Their characteristic mineral assemblege is albite-chloriteepidote-calcite, sericite and quartz. Farther away from the diabases/spilites the desmosites contain more frequent relicts of shales, and finally pass into shales. The desmositic rocks are characterized by structures formed by turbulent movements of unconsolidated mud.The desmositic and spilositic rocks were formed under the influence of injections of basic lavas in unconsilidated mud. The magmatic Na-rich hydrothermal solutions and the heated water from mud produced a recrystallization of the sediments and formation of albite.