Direct physical evidence of dolomite recrystallization
Open accessAbstract
The possibility of recrystallization is a long‐standing barrier to deciphering the genetic origin of dolomites. There is often uncertainty regarding whether or not characteristics of ancient dolomites are primary or the consequence of later recrystallization unrelated to the original dolomitization event. Results from 65 new high‐temperature dolomite synthesis experiments (1 m, 1·0 Mg/Ca ratio solutions at 218°C) demonstrate dolomite recrystallization affecting stoichiometry, cation ordering and nanometre‐scale surface texture. The data support a model of dolomitization that proceeds by a series of four unique phases of replacement and recrystallization, which occur by various dissolution–precipitation reactions. During the first phase (induction period), no dolomite forms despite favourable conditions. The second phase (replacement period) occurs when Ca‐rich dolomite products, with a low degree of cation ordering, rapidly replace calcite reactants. During the replacement period, dolomite stoichiometry and the degree of cation ordering remain constant, and all dolomite crystal surfaces are covered by nanometre‐scale growth mounds. The third phase (primary recrystallization period), which occurs in the experiments between 97% and 100% dolomite, is characterized by a reduced replacement rate but concurrent increases in dolomite stoichiometry and cation ordering. The end of the primary recrystallization period is marked by dolomite crystal growth surfaces that are covered by flat, laterally extensive layers. The fourth phase of the reaction (secondary recrystallization period) occurs when all calcite is consumed and is characterized by stoichiometric dolomite with layers as well as a continued increase in the degree of cation ordering with time. Inferences of recrystallization, in natural dolomite, based on cation order or stoichiometry of dolomite, usually depend on assumptions about the precursor dolomite subjected to recrystallization. If it is assumed that the experimental evidence presented here is applicable to natural, low‐temperature dolomites, then the presence of mounds is direct evidence of a lack of recrystallization and the presence of layers is direct evidence of recrystallization.
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The transformation of high-Mg calcite or very high-Mg calcite to dolomite can be qualitatively described by Ostwald's step rule.
“it has been suggested that the transformation of high-Mg calcite or very high-Mg calcite to dolomite can be qualitatively described by Ostwald's step rule [126,138,141-143,145,146].”
From Thermodynamic and Kinetic Studies of Dolomite Formation: A Review (2023) · cites this paper as [138]
Cites
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“…in rocks with features consistent with deposition in peritidal environments have been inferred to have recrystallized from finer crystalline, poorly ordered, calcium-rich and isotopically heavier dolomite crystals (e.g. Land, 1980, 1985; Montanez & Read, 1992; Reinhold, 1998; AlAasam, 2000).”
BackgroundDolomitization; a critical view of some current views
Hardie, L. A. (1987) · Journal of Sedimentary Research · doi:10.1306/212f8ad5-2b24-11d7-8648000102c1865d · Cited by 603 · see citing works
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“The poor correlation observed in the experimental data is consistent with the lack of correlation found in studies of natural dolomite (McKenzie, 1981; Gregg et al., 1992).”
BackgroundResultInfluentialSome hydrothermal syntheses of dolomite and protodolomite
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“In several experiments, an increase in stoichiometry with increased reaction time has been observed (Gaines, 1974; Katz & Matthews, 1977; Sibley, 1990; Sibley et al., 1994; Malone et al., 1996), but Kaczmarek & Sibley (2011) showed contradictory results in which the stoichiometry of the dolomite products remained cons…”
BackgroundMethodResultInfluentialBeziehungen zwischen Calciumgehalt und Bildungsbedingungen der Dolomite
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Gregg, J. M., Bish, D. L., Kaczmarek, S. E., & Machel, H. G. (2015) · Sedimentology · doi:10.1111/sed.12202 · Cited by 480 · see citing works
Self-citationMicrobially catalyzed dolomite formation: From near-surface to burial
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Kaczmarek, S. E., & Thornton, B. P. (2017) · Chemical Geology · doi:10.1016/j.chemgeo.2017.08.004 · Cited by 128 · see citing works
Self-citationKaczmarek, S. E., Gregg, J. M., Bish, D. L., Machel, H. G., & Fouke, B. W. (2017) · Characterization and Modeling of Carbonates–Mountjoy Symposium 1 · doi:10.2110/sepmsp.109.01 · Cited by 95 · see citing works
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Self-citationStructure, genesis and resources efficiency of dolomite: New insights and remaining enigmas
Cai, W. K., Liu, J. H., Zhou, C. H., Keeling, J., & Glasmacher, U. A. (2021) · Chemical Geology · doi:10.1016/j.chemgeo.2021.120191 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
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Pina, C. M., Pimentel, C., & Crespo, Á. (2022) · ACS Earth and Space Chemistry · doi:10.1021/acsearthspacechem.2c00078 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
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Computational Insights into Mg<sup>2+</sup> Dehydration in the Presence of Carbonate
Aufort, J., Raiteri, P., & Gale, J. D. (2022) · ACS Earth and Space Chemistry · doi:10.1021/acsearthspacechem.1c00389 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
An Early Holocene Primary Dolomite Layer of Abiotic Origin in Lake Sayram, Central Asia
Cheng, J., Meng, X., Zhang, E., Jiang, Q., Ni, Z., & Ji, J. (2021) · Geophysical Research Letters · doi:10.1029/2021gl096309 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
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Self-citationMartin, A. S., & Kaczmarek, S. E. (2025) · Journal of Sedimentary Research · doi:10.2110/jsr.2025.048 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Self-citation
- Authors
- Kaczmarek, S. E., & Sibley, D. F.
- Affiliations
- Bridgewater State University (US)
- Michigan State University (US)
- Venue
- Sedimentology
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2014-05-05
- Volume
- 61
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 1862-1882
- ISSN
- 0037-0746 (ISSN-L)
- 1365-3091
- OpenAlex
- W2134435822
- Cited by
- 131
- References
- 11
- Citations by year
- 2026: 15 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 18 · 2022: 11 · 2021: 16 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 12 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 2
- FWCI
- 9.25
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Locations
- Sedimentology (publishedVersion)
- Journal of international women's studies (submittedVersion)
- Funders
- Office for Teaching and Learning (OTL) at Bridgewater State University
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Geochemistry and Petrology › Geochemistry and Elemental Analysis
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Engineering › CO2 Sequestration and Geologic Interactions
- Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Geophysics › Geological and Geochemical Analysis
- Keywords
- dolomite recrystallization, dolomitization, cation ordering
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