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Flowchart for micropetrographic description and classification of dolostones

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Abstract

The proposed flowchart is based principally on rock mineralogy and texture. The leading compositional parameters comprise dolomite/calcite ratio and presence of non-carbonate constituents (siliciclastic admixtures, authigenic mineral phases, volcanoclastic material, and organic matter). The next hierarchical steps include crystal size and distribution (with eight classes being differentiated), main pattern of intercrystal boundaries, degree and style of replacement or dissolution of textural elements, and additional microfabric features (porosity, microstructures, and veins). The second and third textural parameters strictly correspond to those used in the classification of Sibley and Gregg (J Sediment Petrol 57:967–975, 1987) but other possible products of dissolution are added. Different subdivisions of the scheme are illustrated with examples of Triassic dolostones from surface outcrops and drilled wells in Bulgaria. The general objectives of the flowchart are comprehensive micropetrographic description and practical classification of dolostones. Although being fully descriptive, it carries also clear genetic implications.

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Acknowledgments

I am thankful to the National Geofund of the Ministry of Environment and Water of Bulgaria for kindly giving me a permission to use one thin section (tuffaceous dolostone) from its collection. The constructive comments and suggested corrections on the early version of the manuscript by two anonymous reviewers are also greatly acknowledged.

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  1. Department of Mineralogy, Petrology and Economic Geology, Faculty of Geology and Geography, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, 15 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, 1504, Sofia, Bulgaria

    Athanas Georgiev Chatalov

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  1. Athanas Georgiev Chatalov
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Chatalov, A.G. Flowchart for micropetrographic description and classification of dolostones. Carbonates Evaporites 28, 447–456 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-013-0140-y

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