ABSTRACT

To estimate the conditions of the protodolomite formation, laboratory syntheses from simple aqueous solutions have been carried out under normal temperature and pressure conditions. Protodolomites have been synthesized from CaCl₂ + MgCl₂ + (NaCl) + NaHCO₃ solutions. This paper shows the concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions in the parent solution, which are required for the protodolomite formation. The synthesis experiment indicates that concentrated seawater is favorable to the protodolomite formation. That is, the high value of [Mg²⁺] / [Ca²⁺], and the high concentrations of sodium and chlorine ions in a parent solution are favorable to the protodolomite formation.