Search results for "Phosphogenesi"

Phosphogenesis in the Bonarelli Level from northwestern Sicily, Italy: petrographic evidence of microbial mediation and related REE behaviour

2010

Phosphogenesis at the base of the Bonarelli Level from the Calabianca stratigraphic section (northwestern Sicily) was investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, and stable-isotope mass spectrometry. The anoxic event onset is marked by high P(2)O(5tot) concentrations related to the presence of authigenic carbonate-fluorapatite. This mineral is poorly crystallized and occurs in three different forms: (i) fish debris locally showing evidence of re-crystallization, (ii) phosphatically cemented layers, and (iii) dense aggregates of microcrystals. Petrographic features are indicative of a microbial genesis for the carbonate-fluorapatite. Conversely, th…