Argillites from the Precambrian Purcell System of southeastern British Columbia and southwestern Alberta were analysed for Li, Na, K, Rb, Mg, Ca, Sr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Al, using atomic absorption spectrometer and X-ray fluorescence techniques. Mineralogy was determined by X-ray diffraction analyses.

Two areas were studied: the Waterton Lakes - Flathead River Valley and the Purcell Mountains area (nearshore and offshore environment respectively). Adsorption processes appeared to be more pronounced in the Purcell Mountains area. Trends in element concentrations from one area to the other were analysed, as were correlations between the elements with respect to their meaning in the sedimentary environment.

The Purcell System analyses were compared to the analyses of other Precambrian and younger rocks in order to determine if Precambrian argillites had different bulk-chemical compositions from those of younger shales and argillites. Possible trends for calcium and strontium were noted. Rubidium was found to be enriched with respect to K by adsorption processes, the degree of enrichment depending on source area and/or the number of times a sediment has been recycled.

The effect of acid treatment on the bulk-chemical composition of argillites was studied.

A series of alternating red and green argillite bands were studied with respect to differences in mineralogy and bulk-chemical composition. Hematite, Fe, Mn, Co, and Ni are more abundant in the red argillites than in the green.

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