Talc paragenesis in some siliceous dolomitic rocks, and its sedimentologic significance

Abstract

Thin (0.5–4 mm), contorted stringers of talc, associated with apatite and minor pyrite, are containdy Formation in eastern Alabama. The form, position and lithologic distribed within generally saccharoidal dolomite-quartz marbles of the Cambrian Shaution of the stringers strongly suggest an algalstromatolitic origin, with interlaminar trapped dolomitic muds. Metamorphic formation of talc plus apatite proceeded only within the stringers, whereas surrounding marble remained as unreacted dolomite plus quartz. Talc generation is best explained by the reaction

$${\text{dolomite}} + {\text{silica}} + {\text{water}} + {\text{P}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}_{\text{5}} = {\text{talc}} + {\text{apatite}} + {\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$$

in which the phosphate was supplied to the reaction from organic matter contained within the stromatolitic layers. The system was probably open to CO₂ during metamorphism, and $P_{{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}} }$ remained relatively low.