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Atomistic simulation of the differences between calcite and dolomite surfaces

Journal Article · · Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
 [1]; ;  [2]
  1. Univ. of Abertay Dundee (United Kingdom). School of Molecular and Life Sciences
  2. Univ. of Bath (United Kingdom). Dept. of Chemistry

Atomistic simulation methods have been used to calculate and compare the surface structures and energies of the {l_brace}10{bar 1}4{r_brace}, {l_brace}0001{r_brace}, {l_brace}10{bar 1}0{r_brace}, {l_brace}11{bar 2}0{r_brace} and {l_brace}10{bar 1}1{r_brace} surfaces of calcite and dolomite and to evaluate their equilibrium morphologies. The calcite {l_brace}10{bar 1}4{r_brace} and the dolomite {l_brace}10{bar 1}0{r_brace} and {l_brace}11{bar 2}0{r_brace} surfaces are the most stable crystal planes. Investigation of the segregation of Mg and Ca ions in the dolomite crystal shows a clear preference for Ca{sup 2+} ions at the surface sites and for Mg{sup 2+} ions in the bulk sites and hence growth onto dolomite results in calcium carbonate or high magnesian calcite crystals which helps explain the difficulty in crystallizing dolomite vs. calcite under laboratory conditions.

OSTI ID:
289451
Journal Information:
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Journal Name: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta Journal Issue: 15 Vol. 62; ISSN GCACAK; ISSN 0016-7037
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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