Dolomitization

Abstract

Few geological problems have received more attention and debate than the origin of dolomite. As a result of early studies, two “classic” schools of thought emerged concerning dolomite genesis: 1. primary precipitation of dolomite crystals, and 2. the secondary replacement of other minerals by dolomite. In recent years this controversy has been “…largely supplanted with the argument, penecontemporaneous or post-lithification replacement. For dolomitization is a diagenetic process” (Murray and Pray, 1965). Such a strongly worded opinion probably has found almost unanimous support amongst most geologists, but as will be seen below, there is still reason to suspect that some dolomites are primary. In keeping with the theme of the book, this review is restricted to modern marine (together with some lacustrine) dolomites; for more complete discussions of the dolomite problem, the reader is referred to the excellent reviews of van Tuyl (1918), Fairbridge (1957), Friedman and Sanders (1967) and Bathurst (1971).