Mineralogical and geochemical characterization of fossil bones from a Miocene marine Konservat-Lagerstätte

Fossil bones, together with teeth, are the most common remains of vertebrates that could manage to get preserved over geological times, providing information on diagenetic and fossilization processes occurred in depositional paleoenvironment. bones from marine vertebrate Konservat-Lagerstätte East Pisco Basin Sacaco area (Peru) show a high variety different textural chemical features, suggestive variably contributing path. At macroscopic scale, bone samples can be grouped into six categories basis color (red gray white) hardness (which relates mineralization degree); case studies found between these categories. Microscopically, original microstructure tissue, both compact cancellous, is well all studied samples, differences cavity fillings, distribution microcracks, presence Fe oxides diverse types. The composition mineralogy correspond fluorapatite. Differences color, degree geochemistry interpreted terms paths, burial at seafloor exposure present-day desert environment. paths strongly conditioned by factors controlling interplay mechanisms apatite dissolution-recrystallization dolomite precipitation (formation carbonate concretions) as fixation iron finely disseminated sulfides very early stages fossilization.