Calcite and aragonite precipitation from seawater solutions of various salinities: Precipitation rates and overgrowth compositions

The reaction rate and composition of calcite and aragonite overgrowths precipitated from seawater solutions of various salinities (i.e. S=5, 15, 25, 35, 44) were determined at 25°C and 10^−2.5-atm. CO₂ partial pressure using a constant disequilibrium seeded technique. The rate data were fitted to an empirical rate law of the form:

logR=n(ω_{c(or a)}-1)+logk

where n is the empirical reaction order; and k is the rate constant. Calcite precipitation rates in seawater solutions do not vary appreciably as a result of salinity variations over the range investigated, while those for aragonite show an increase in going from the higher (i.e. S=35, 44) to the lower (i.e. S=5, 15, 25) salinity range. This study also confirms previously published findings that above a given saturation state (i.e. Ω_c>/2.6) aragonite precipitates more rapidly than calcite at 25°C.

The incorporation of Sr²⁺ in aragonite and Mg²⁺ in calcite overgrowths are independent of the precipitation rate. The partition coefficient of Sr²⁺ in aragonite is approximately equal to unity and is unaffected by salinity variations between 5 and 44. However, the Mg²⁺ partition coefficient in calcite, increases with decreasing salinity of the parent seawater solutions, possibly as a result of variations in the sulfate content of the solutions and solids.

The experimental results were discussed in the context of a number of geological environments.