The origin of calcium carbonate grains

Abstract

In contrast to the detrital or clastic grains discussed in the previous chapter, calcium carbonate grains are usually formed within the basin of deposition and are usually marine in origin. It is impossible to understand the origin and significance of carbonate particles adequately without some knowledge of the physical chemistry of CaCO₃ in solution. Therefore, after briefly outlining the distribution of recent marine carbonate sediments, we shall discuss the chemical composition of sea water, the main carbonate minerals, and some of the problems involved in CaCO₃ precipitation.