Stable-isotope data from individual bivalves define a negative covariant mixing trend ranging from early, relatively ¹³C-depleted and ¹⁸O-enriched nonferroan calcite (d¹³C <= -2 PDB, d¹⁸O >= -2 PDB), to ferroan calcite with composition similar to associated late pore-filling cements (d¹³C » +2 PDB, d¹ O » -7 PDB). The early diagenetic end member precipitated from depositional pore fluids, with bicarbonate supplied both from dissolution of skeletal aragonite and bacterial oxidation of organic material. In contrast, ferroan neomorphic spar precipitated during burial diagenesis and dewatering of shales surrounding the limestone.

Bulk trace-element signatures of the bivalves are dominated by late ferroan calcite, but electron probe microanalysis and intrinsic blue cathodoluminescence shows that early neomorphic calcite contains negligible amounts of Fe, Mn, and Mg. Together with isotopic and fabric data this indicates that early neomorphism occurred at shallow depths and may even have begun at the sediment-water interface. In the absence of through-flowing meteoric waters, early replacement did not proceed via an inward-migrating "neomorphic front". Instead, calcitization was initiated at numerous individual reaction centers throughout the shells and was principally controlled by the distribution of the skeletal organic matrix. This contrasts strongly with most previous reports of aragonite neomorphism during arly diagenesis.