Geochemistry and Crystallography of Recrystallized Dolomites

Most sedimentary dolomites are meta-stable upon formation and either transform into more stable dolomite via recrystallization, or persist as meta-stable phases over deep geological time. The stability of dolomite has long been considered to be influenced by ordering and stoichiometry. However, how recrystallization alters the crystal structure and chemistry of dolomites remains poorly understood. Several dolomite bodies have been identified as potential sites for carbon-dioxide sequestration. Therefore, new insights into what factors control dolomite ordering and stoichiometry will contribute to an improved understanding of dolomite reactivity and may be particularly important for carbon-dioxide sequestration studies.

During my PhD research I applied a novel combination of advanced diffraction and geochemical tools to better understand how the diagenetic conditions affect the crystal structure of recrystallized dolomite working with my PhD advisors, Dr. Jay M. Gregg and Dr. Pankaj Sarin, in collaboration with Dr. Cédric M. John.