1. n. [Geology]

The geochemical process in supratidal sabkha areas where magnesium [Mg] ions from the evaporation of seawater replace calcium [Ca] ions in calcite, forming the mineral dolomite. The volume of dolomite is less than that of calcite, so the replacement of calcite by dolomite in a rock increases the pore space in the rock by 13% and forms an important reservoir rock. Dolomitization can occur during deep burial diagenesis.

See related terms: carbonate,  diagenetic porosity,  dolostone,  secondary porosity