Choosing the site, getting the stones, building the dolmens: local sourcing of andesites at the El Pozuelo megalithic complex (Huelva, Spain)

Abstract The geoarchaeological study focuses on the lithological characterization and provenance determination of rocks El Pozuelo dolmens. difficulty identifying volcanic in intensely altered deformed environment Iberian Pyrite Belt has required implementation a research methodology combining archaeological geological analysis megaliths area surrounding Los Llanetes group. A total 29 thin sections 14 geochemical analyses (ICP-AES, ICP-MS REE) have been carried out samples from dolmens potential source areas, focusing chemical elements considered immobile during alteration processes. petrological confirm identification different andesite lithotypes enable us to correlate used construction with areas quarries located within 50–350 m radius. Several patterns are observed selection rocks, based material, visual symbolic properties lithologies. Foliated is most common stone monuments, due its excellent physical technological suitability for extraction transformation into megalithic supports. Other types (sheared, massive amphibole-phyric), white quartz, ferruginous agglomerate gabbro were also architectural purposes. results importance locally available suitable determining site location, raw material procurement monument Late Neolithic.