Carbonate minerals (geology)

Carbonate minerals are a group of minerals that contain the carbonate ion (CO3) in their structure. Common examples include calcite and dolomite. These minerals are significant in geology because they play essential roles in the formation of sedimentary rocks, such as limestone, and are key components in the Earth's carbon cycle. Carbonate minerals can form from biological processes, like those involving shells of marine organisms, or through chemical precipitation. They are important for understanding geological history and play a crucial role in ecosystems, groundwater chemistry, and even carbon sequestration efforts.