The isotopic and trace element geochemistry of dolomite: the state of the art.

Abstract

Mathematical modeling of the diagenetic behavior of the trace element Sr in conjunction with oxygen isotopic changes during the diagenesis of limestone substantiates recent suggestions that experimentally determined distribution coefficients for calcite do not apply under actual diagenetic conditions. An analogous situation probably exists with respect to dolomite. Most ancient dolomite is trace-element-depleted relative to Holocene analogs. Present, quantitative interpretation of absolute isotopic or trace element values of dolomite is tenuous. Because recrystallization is neither completely open nor completely closed-system, chemical information from early events is incompletely erased by later ones. -from Author