Simulation of geochemical banding I: Acidization-precipitation experiments in a ferruginous limestone rock.

This paper is the first among two articles which aim at exploring the possible similarities between the well-known Liesegang banding phenomenon in precipitate systems, and the stripe formation observed in a large number of rocks. In the present (first) article, we review a comprehensive and long study wherein patterning experiments were performed in-situ (real rock systems), to simulate the band formation through the acidization of a ferruginous limestone rock, causing dissolution and precipitation reactions. The results are analyzed by microscopy, AA and XRD techniques. The correlation between the Liesegang gel experiment and the processes taking place inside the rock medium is established. In the second part (following paper), a theoretical model is set forth to support our experiments. The fractal nature of the contours of the various regions will be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]