SEM observations on the replacement of Bahaman aragonitic mud by calcite Available to Purchase

Conversion of Holocene aragonitic mud to calcite microspar occurs in fresh pore waters beneath hammocks on the tidal flats of west Andros Island, Bahamas, to a subsurface depth of 2.7 m. The conversion process involves both dissolution of aragonite and precipitation of calcite as a cement in pre-existing pores and displacive calcite crystallization. Neomorphism of aragonite to calcite with preservation of grain shape has not been observed. Resulting diagenetic products are lithified nodules, composed of well-sorted interlocking rhombs of microspar and of stiff, unlithified calcitic aragonite mud.