Applied Sedimentology

Applied Sedimentology

Petrography and geochemistry of dolomite of the Shotori Formation at the Kazem-Abad Mine, NW Kerman

Authors
1 Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University
2 Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman
3 Memradco, Midhco
Abstract
The Kazem-Abad dolomite mine (Nw Kerman) is one of the important dolomite mines in the region. The dolomitic rocks of this mine comprise carbonate deposits of the Middle Triassic Shotori Formation. Petrographic and geochemical investigations of the studied dolomites reveal considerable variations in texture, crystal size, and chemical composition. Based on petrographic studies, three main dolomite types were identified, including fine-crystalline, medium-crystalline, and coarse-crystalline dolomites. The coarse-crystalline dolomites exhibit greater textural diversity and occur extensively as pervasive, pore-filling, and vein-filling dolomite. The fine-crystalline dolomites preserve part of the original depositional fabrics and are likely indicative of the early stages of dolomitization, whereas the medium-crystalline and particularly the coarse-crystalline dolomites are characterized by destruction of the primary fabrics, crystal growth, and extensive recrystallization, suggesting more advanced stages of diagenesis. Geochemical relationships among major, minor, and trace elements indicate that the fine-crystalline dolomites were predominantly formed under the influence of early marine and brine fluids, whereas the medium-crystalline dolomites show stronger evidence for the influx and influence of basinal diagenetic fluids. The coarse-crystalline dolomites exhibit the strongest geochemical evidence for advanced recrystallization and the influence of metal-rich fluids. The depletion of elements indicative of early fluids, such as Sr, Na, and Ba, together with the relative enrichment of metallic elements, including Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb, indicates substantial modification of the original chemical composition during recrystallization in the late stages of diagenesis.
Keywords

  • Receive Date 14 September 2026
  • Revise Date 20 October 2026
  • Accept Date 25 October 2026