Recrystallization in microfossiliferous limestones

Abstract

Abstract The microfauna and microflora of the Lower Miocene limestones of the Darai Complex of Papua have been found to recrystallize in a constant order related to the biological affinities of the fossil genera. This recrystallization is independent of the sparry or micritic nature of the interstitial material. Dolomitisation also destroys the fossil skeletons in a comparable order except that the coralline algae appear to be relatively more resistant to replacement by dolomite. Only when the skeletons of the most resistant fossil groups have been recrystallized can the occurrence of interstitial sparry calcite be suspected to have originated from recrystallization of an original micritic matrix. Obliteration of fossil remains by recrystallization presents an additional hazard in the interpretation of biofacies in limestones of this type.