Basin scale evolution of zebra textures in fault‐controlled, hydrothermal dolomite bodies: Insights from the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin

Structurally controlled dolomitization typically involves the interaction of high-pressure (P), high-temperature (T) fluids with surrounding host rock. Such reactions are often accompanied by cementation and recrystallization, resulting hydrothermal dolomite (HTD) bodies including several ‘diagnostic’ rock textures. Zebra textures, associated boxwork textures breccias, widely considered to reflect these elevated P/T conditions. Although a range conceptual models have been proposed explain genesis processes that control their spatial temporal evolution still poorly understood. Through detailed petrographical geochemical analysis HTD bodies, hosted in Middle Cambrian strata Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, this study demonstrates single genetic model cannot be applied all characteristics Instead, wide array sedimentological, tectonic metasomatic contribute formation; each which is spatially temporally variable at basin scale. Distal fluid source, largely stratabound, comprising replacement dolomite, bedding-parallel zebra rare breccias (non-stratabound, located only proximal faults). Dolomitization increasingly non-stratabound proximity bedding-inclined affected recrystallization. Petrographical evidence suggests were initiated due dilatational fracturing, brecciation precipitation saddle as cement, but significant recrystallization occurred during later stages dolomitization. These closely faults carbonate-hosted ore deposits (e.g. magnesite, earth element Mississippi Valley–type mineralization), thus providing invaluable information regarding flux carbonate metasomatism under