Formation of Monohydrocalcite in the Microbialites from Laguna de Los Cisnes (Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, Chile)

Monohydrocalcite (CaCO₃·H₂O) is a mineral rarely found in natural environments. Here we report finding of this mineral in the composition of the microbialites in Laguna de los Cisnes (Isla Grande, Chile), a saline alkaline lake with high Mg/Ca ratio. We have made a detailed structural and mineralogical description of these microbialites with the use of light and scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray analysis. The predominantly carbonate composition of microbialites was revealed. Carbonates were represented mainly by high-magnesium calcites and monohydrocalcite. Calcite and aragonite were found in minor quantities. In addition, a small amount of silicates and amorphous hydromagnesite were found.

The yellowish-brown surface layer of microbialites consists of numerous crystals within a mineralized exopolysaccharide (EPS) matrix. A large number of unicellular and filamentous algae, as well as areas of released EPS, are also seen here. Below is a slimy green layer. This layer is not mineralized, it represents an "algal-bacterial mat" consisting of algae, cyanobacteria, and diatoms developed in EPS. Chisel-shaped crystals of monohydrocalcite and its amorphous spherical precursors are numerous in these upper layers. The deeper layers are mineralized, they consist predominantly of Mg-carbonates with varying degrees of Mg. Algae and cyanobacteria are decomposed or fossilized there.

Thus, monohydrocalcite occurs in the composition of the microbialites being one of the main mineral components. As in other lacustrine localities it is formed in the presence of algae and cyanobacteria. To our knowledge this is the first report on the discovery of monohydrocalcite in South America.