Journal ArticleDOI
Morphology, relationship, and origin of fiber and dendrite calcite crystals
Brian Jones,Charles F. Kahle +1 more
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Fiber and dendrite calcite are minor but important components of many limestones that have undergone vadose meteoric diagenesis and can be substantially modified by destructive or constructive diagenetic processes as mentioned in this paper.Abstract:
Fiber and dendrite calcite crystals, formed by abnormal growth conditions, are minor but important components of many limestones that have undergone vadose meteoric diagenesis. Fiber crystals, which have a length: width ratio of greater than 6:1, are divided into hexagonal fibers, rectangular fibers, composite fibers, and rhomb chains according to their crystal form. Dendrite crystals are formed of a main stem, primary branches, and secondary branches. Random and tangential fiber crystals refer to masses of fibers that have a random distribution or tangentially coat a substrate, respectively. Such crystals may be tightly or loosely packed. The shape of fiber and dendrite crystals can be substantially modified by destructive or constructive diagenetic processes. Destructive modification includes physical breakdown, dissolution, or micritization. Constructive modification, which usually involves epitaxial growth around the original fiber or dendrite crystal, may proceed to the point where the original crystals are completely disguised. In extreme cases fiber crystals can be cemented together to form lattices that look like dendrite crystals. Fiber and dendrite calcite crystals generally form from fluids that are supersaturated with respect to calcium carbonate. Although experimental data suggest that both types of crystal can form from the same parent fluid, there are only rare examples where both are present together in nature. Such crystals form through biogenically and abiogenically mediated processes. The common association of these crystals with plant roots or microorganisms suggests that the organisms can produce conditions suitable for growth of the crystals.read more
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Journal ArticleDOI
Calcite Fabrics, Growth Mechanisms, and Environments of Formation in Speleothems from the Italian Alps and Southwestern Ireland
TL;DR: In this article, five fabrics were identified in Alpine and Irish caves on the basis of morphological and microstructural characteristics, and re-lated to growth mechanisms and growth environment.
Journal ArticleDOI
Geomicrobiology of Caves: A Review
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of geomicrobiological interactions in caves is provided, which are nutrient-limited environments containing a variety of redox interfaces, leading to the dissolution of or precipitation on, host rock and speleothems (secondary mineral formations).
Journal ArticleDOI
Needle-fiber Calcite: A Critical Review and a Proposed Classification
TL;DR: A review of the recent literature and their own observations, the different morphologies of needle-fiber calcite are classified as mentioned in this paper, which can be characterized as monocrystalline rods (with or without serrated edges) or as polycrystalline chains.
Book ChapterDOI
Calcium Carbonate Features
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors studied the morphological expression and hierarchical organization of calcitic pedofeatures in thin sections to partially decipher the climatic, geochemical, and biological influences on the precipitation of carbonates in soils.
Journal ArticleDOI
Freshwater organisms that build stromatolites: a synopsis of biocrystallization by prokaryotic and eukaryotic algae
TL;DR: In freshwater environments such as river and stream bottoms, rocks and submerged vegetation are covered with a biological felt that is susceptible to calcification, knowledge of primary crystals and their diagenetic transformations is necessary to correctly interpret freshwater stromatolites.
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