Karl Franzens University Graz | Graz University of Technology | |
Tracing the (trans)formation of minerals in aqueous systems – Elemental and stable isotope fractionation mechanisms Structural, elemental and isotopes signatures of minerals are used to decipher individual formation conditions, precipitation kinetics and path ways as well as to reconstruct (paleo) environments, e.g. in the scope of biomineralization, climate change, geochemical forensics, developing tailored products. Experimental approaches on the (trans)formation behavior of precipitates from aqueous solutions will be presented considering in particular the high relevance of amorphous X00nm-sized precursor phases for mineral formation. Focus are given on fractionation behavior of divalent ions and of traditional (e.g. $^{13}$C/$^{12}$C and $^{18}$O/$^{16}$O) and non-traditional (e.g. $^{44}$Ca/$^{40}$Ca, $^{30}$Si/$^{28}$Si) isotopes for carbonate and silicate mineral formation and their applications. |