Further study on the genesis of lamellar calcite veins in lacustrine black shale—A case study of Paleogene in Dongying Depression, China

Abstract

Lamellar calcite veins are prevalent in carbonate-rich, lacustrine dark shale. The formation mechanisms of these veins have been extensively debated, focusing on factors such as timing, depth, material source, and driving forces. This paper examines dark lacustrine shale lamellar calcite veins in the Paleogene strata of Dongying Depression, using various analytical techniques: petrography, isotope geochemistry, cathodoluminescence, inclusion thermometry, and electron probe micro-analysis. Two distinct types of calcite veins have been identified: granular calcite veins and sparry calcite veins. These two types differ significantly in color, grain structure, morphology, and inclusions. Through further investigation, it was observed that vein generation occurred from the shallow burial period to the maturation of organic matter, with a transition from granular calcite veins to sparry calcite veins. The granular calcite veins exhibit characteristics associated with the shallow burial period, including plastically deformed laminae and veins, the development of strawberry pyrite, the absence of oil and gas, weak fractionation in oxygen isotopes, and their contact relationship with sparry calcite veins. These granular calcite veins were likely influenced by the reduction of sulfate bacteria. On the other hand, sparry calcite veins with fibrous grains are antitaxial and closely linked to the evolution and maturation of organic matter. They contain oil and gas inclusions and show a distribution range of homogenization temperature between 90 °C and 120 °C and strong fractionation in oxygen isotopes, indicating formation during the hydrocarbon expulsion period. The carbon isotope analysis of the surrounding rocks and veins suggests that the material for vein formation originates from the shale itself, specifically authigenic micritic calcite modified by the action of methanogens. The opening of horizontal fractures and vein formation is likely driven by fluid overpressure resulting from undercompaction and hydrocarbon expulsion. Veins may form rapidly or through multi-stage composite processes. Early veins are predominantly formed in situ, while late veins are a result of continuous fluid migration and convergence. Furthermore, the veins continue to undergo modification even after formation. This study emphasizes that the formation of lamellar calcite veins in shale is a complex diagenetic process influenced by multiple factors: biology, organic matter, and inorganic processes, all operating at various stages throughout the shale's diagenetic history.