Australian Ocean Data Network hosts a dataset detailing the first confirmed discovery of dolomite and magnesite minerals within living crustose coralline algae (Hydrolithon onkodes). The data includes chemical micro-analysis results showing multiple mineral phases and uses a mass balance approach to quantify potential dolomitization. The dataset was last updated on April 16, 2026.
Use Cases
- Modeling dolomite formation rates in modern environments based on the mass balance approach described.
- Analyzing the continuum of magnesium to calcium compositions in carbonate minerals based on the described mineral phases.
- Comparing mineral compositions in fossil reefs based on the coralline-algal rich environments mentioned.
- Studying the geobiological implications of mineral formation within living organisms as described.
Strengths
- First confirmed discovery of dolomite in living coralline algae, addressing a long-standing scientific conundrum.
- Chemical micro-analysis reveals at least three distinct mineral phases (magnesium calcite, dolomite, magnesite).
- Dataset is hosted by the authoritative Australian Ocean Data Network.
Limitations
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Data may reflect geographic bias inherent to data_gov_au.
Provenance
- Source
- Australian Ocean Data Network
- Collection Method
- Chemical micro-analysis of coralline algae skeletons.
- Freshness
- Last updated 2026-04-16 10:04:01.602219; freshness should be verified.
- Geography
- Coral reefs globally, with specific reference to a raised Pleistocene reef.