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Metamorphism of Dolomites and Limestones

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Petrogenesis of Metamorphic Rocks

Abstract

Sedimentary carbonate rocks consist predominantly of carbonate minerals (as the name implies). There are two main types of carbonate rocks, dolomites and limestones. The first is modally dominated by dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2), the second by calcite (CaCO3) and there is a complete gradation between the pure dolomite and limestone “end members” indicated by the rock names, calcitic dolomite, dolomitic limestone, magnesian limestone. As the rocks often also contain variable amounts of quartz they are sometimes referred to as siliceous dolomites and siliceous limestones.

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Bucher, K., Grapes, R. (2011). Metamorphism of Dolomites and Limestones. In: Petrogenesis of Metamorphic Rocks. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-74169-5_6

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