Epigenetic Dolomitization and the Origin of Xenotopic Dolomite Texture

Abstract

Xenotopic texture, which is commonly observed in pre-Cenozoic rocks, is defined here as a mosaic of anhedral crystals with irregular or curved intercrystalline boundaries and, usually, undulatory extinction. Xenotopic dolomite texture is similar in appearance to neomorphic limestone textures. Idiotopic dolomite texture (euhedral to subhedral crystals with straight, intercrystalline boundaries) contrasts with xenotopic texture and is commonly observed in both Cenozoic and more ancient dolomites. Texture may be controlled by the temperature at which crystals grow. Crystal growth theory predicts that at low temperature a smooth crystal surface is energetically favored, and atoms are added to crystal faces layer by layer with dislocations acting as nucleation sites. This results in faceted crystals and euhedral to subhedral crystal mosaics. Above a "critical roughening temperature" (CRT), a rough surface is energetically favored, surface nucleation does not require dislocations, and atoms are randomly added to the crystal surface, resulting in nonfaceted growth and an anhedral crystal mosaic. It is hypothesized that a "critical roughening temperature" exists for dolomite above 50°C. Xenotopic dolomites are produced by dolomitization of limestone and/or neomorphic recrystallization of dolomite at elevated temperature (above the CRT) after burial. Idiotopic dolomites are produced below the CRT by near-surface processes and are occasionally produced above CRT if growth-inhibiting effects of the solution or impurities stabilize crystal faces. Calcite has a CRT below 25°C and, therefore, develops anhedral crystal mosaics (characteristic of neomorphic texture) both at near-surface and at elevated temperatures. Synthetic xenotopic dolomite was produced in the laboratory at 250°C and 300°C by dolomitization of aragonite and calcite skeletal fragments and by recrystallization (neomorphism) of nonstoichiometric Cenozoic dolomites. Xenotopic dolomite resulted from the metamorphic recrystallization of the idiotopic Hueco dolomite (Permian, Texas) near the Marble Canyon intrusion, at temperatures between 350°C and 600°C. Hydrothermal dolomitization of periclase-calcite marble near the intrusion also resulted in a xenotopic texture. Xenotopic dolomite in the Galena Group (Ordovician, Wisconsin) was produced by neomorphism of a preexisting dolomite during the emplacement of lead-zinc sulfides at temperatures between 80°C and 227°C. In the Trenton Limestone (Ordovician, Michigan), xenotopic dolomite replaced limestone during the migration of hot ( > 50°C) fluids along fracture systems. Xenotopic dolomite was not observed in Cenozoic dolomites that were subjected to temperatures near surface values only.

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0022-4472

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 1984 Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Sep 1984

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