Title: Magnesium isotopic distribution in dolomite
Abstract: Dolomite found in nature is generally thought to be either “primary” in origin, or to be the result of diagenesis of pre-existing calcium carbonate sediments, or else to have been formed under different circumstances by both mechanisms. In an effort to elucidate the mechanism of formation of dolomite, attention has been given to the evidence which might be provided by the isotopic composition of magnesium in dolomite, partially dolomitized limestones, and limestones. It is possible that study of the magnesium isotopic composition of dolomite and partially dolomitized limestone may indicate whether dolomitization has resulted, in particular cases, from diffusion or pervasion of magnesium salts in solution into pre-existing calcium carbonates. Measurements of magnesium isotope abundances in carbonate rocks in which dolomitization has been tectonically controlled indicate that this type of dolomitization may be characterized by a marked variation of magnesium isotopic composition with distance from the location at which the dolomitizing solution enters the rock. This suggests not only that the presence or absence of variation in magnesium isotopic composition may be used to determine whether a particular dolomite is of primary or secondary origin but also that, where the dolomite is found to be secondary, the pattern of variation may reveal the direction in which the invading solution has moved.
Publication Year: 1962
Publication Date: 1962-08-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 25
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