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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Journal of Sedimentary Research (SEPM)

Abstract


Journal of Sedimentary Petrology
Vol. 61 (1991)No. 3. (May), Pages 349-353

Botryoidal High-Magnesium Calcite Previous HitMarineNext Hit Cements from the Upper Cretaceous of the Mediterranean Region

Donald J. Ross (2)

ABSTRACT

In both Recent and ancient limestones, Previous HitmarineTop cements which have a botryoidal morphology are generally thought to have precipitated as aragonite. However, Upper Cretaceous botryoidal cements from widespread Mediterranean localities, described here, are interpreted as former high-magnesium calcite. Petrographic features indicating an originally high-magnesium calcite mineralogy include rhombic terminations to precursor crystallites and microdolomite inclusions. Minor element concentrations in the botryoids are depleted in strontium relative to calcitized skeletal aragonite. A former calcitic mineralogy for Cretaceous botryoids is in accordance with proposals that ocean chemistry at this time inhibited inorganic aragonite precipitation.


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