In such a series of rocks, the two most important end-members are represented by limestone and dolomite, which are themselves made up of at least 90% calcite or dolomite, respectively. Based solely on the variation of the relative proportions of these two carbonate minerals and the insoluble residue, it is possible to define more than fifteen carbonate rock types ( Figure 1(b)). , which are also the most widespread carbonate minerals. Indeed, the two main components of carbonate rocks are calcite (CaCO 3) and dolomite Concerning the Classification of Precambrian Carbonate RocksĪmong the rocks of sedimentary origin, carbonate rocks represent a very important and varied group that typically has a mineralogical composition primarily made up of carbonates. Thirty cap carbonates of Africa are used to validate this new method.ġ. To automate the application of this diagram, input parameters are created in a descriptive file “” using an option called “Ternaires” in the “Diagrammes” software developed by Roland Simler. the percentages of Calcite, Dolomite and Insoluble Residue. For each sample of carbonate rock, analysis of calcium and magnesium contents allows us to calculate the input data for our diagram i.e. After presenting the most suitable geochemical classifications, we propose a new classification into 14 groups based on a regular ternary diagram with computerized data input. Consequently, only certain geochemical classification methods allow us to distinguish the various rock-types in the case of Neoproterozoic carbonates. Therefore, methods of classification of the carbonate rocks founded on the observation of primary structures or textural characteristics are ill-adapted. Post-sedimentary transformations have masked or completely obliterated the structures and textures of Precambrian carbonate rocks. Keywords: Carbonate Rock Cap Carbonate Ternary Diagram Software Calcite Dolomite Received Septemrevised Octoaccepted November 21, 2013 All Copyright © 2013 are guarded by law and by SCIRP as a guardian. In accordance of the Creative Commons Attribution License all Copyrights © 2013 are reserved for SCIRP and the owner of the intellectual property Hélène Miche et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. 1Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, CEREGE UM 34, Aix en Provence, FranceĢUniversité d’Avignon et des pays du Vaucluse, INRA, EMMAH, UMR 1114, LHA, Avignon, FranceģDépartement de Géologie, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Marien Ngouabi de Brazzaville, Brazzaville, République du CongoĤDépartement de Géologie, Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku, Franceville, GabonĮmail: © 2013 Hélène Miche et al.

Ternary diagram feldspar