This study focused on the chemistry of soil water samples (SWS) obtained by tension-free lysimetry from serpentinitic, i.e., Cr- and Ni-rich, Dystric Eutrochrepts. Soil water samples from undisturbed soil profiles had total elemental concentrations (μnmol/L) of O.1–3.2 Cr, O.2–3.1 Ni, 3–154 Fe, and 55–401 Mg; however, dialysis revealed that on average, only 72% of total Mg, 39% Ni, 28% Cr and 15% Fe were present in dissolved form. Thus, in serpentinitic soils, colloids can be an important means of element translocation. Among metallic cations, Mg contributed generally more than 50% to the positive charge of SWS; also, there was a high linear correlation between dissolved (dialyzable) Mg