micritedominated
Micrite-dominated refers to carbonate rocks in which the fabric is largely or wholly made up of micrite, a fine-grained, microcrystalline form of calcium carbonate. Micrite itself consists of tiny calcite crystals typically less than about 4 micrometers across and forms a carbonate mud that can be either biogenic or inorganic in origin. In micrite-dominated rocks, micritic matrix or cement comprises the majority of the rock, with only minor amounts of coarser grains such as skeletal fragments, peloids, or sparry calcite.
Formation and origins: micrite forms in low-energy marine or lacustrine environments where fine carbonate mud can
Texture and lithology: micrite-dominated rocks typically display a uniform, fine-grained matrix under hand lens and microscope,
Porosity and diagenesis: micritic textures can reduce primary intergranular porosity due to pervasive fine-grained cement, yet
Significance: micrite-dominated textures are diagnostic of low-energy depositional environments and can reveal diagenetic histories in carbonate