Forms of phosphate occurrences observed in cathodoluminescence: Cambrian of the Polish part of the East European Craton

Abstract

Cambrian rocks of the Polish part of the East European Craton contain numerous occurrences of phosphates. Their diversity was delineated due to cathodoluminescence (CL) study. Two categories of phosphates were recognised in the studied rocks: (I) redeposited phosphates and (I) diagenetic phosphates. Within these two categories different types of phosphate occurrences were distinguished. During the early stage of diagenesis, pore solutions are enriched in phosphorus which allows precipitation of calcium phosphate in pores, on the grain surface or inside the pseudomorphs.