Measurements of distribution coefficients of strontium and barium between carbonate precipitate and solution —Abnormally high values of distribution coefficients measured at early stages of carbonate formation

Abstract

The distribution coefficients of Sr and Ba were measured when Mg-poor calcite, Mg-rich calcite or aragonite was precipitated in the calcium bicarbonate solutions containing strontium or barium in trace amounts, MgCl2, NaC1 and/or Na-citrate. The abnormally high values of the distribution coefficients were observed very often at the early stages of carbonate precipitation. The conditions, under which such high values are measured, are investigated. and the use of distribution coefficients measured in the laboratory for interpretation of the trace element contents of marine carbonate skeletons is discussed. © 1971, GEOCHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN. All rights reserved.