First Record of Romanechite in the Apulian Karst (Southern Italy) Resulting from the Interaction of Limestones and Clay Minerals

Abstract

A new occurrence of the Mn-Ba ore mineral, romanechite, has been discovered in a small paleo-doline of the Apulian karst on Mesozoic carbonate rock successions, characterized by reddish incrustations and nodules made essentially by Fe-bearing calcite. The conditions under which Mn-Ba ore minerals form represent an intriguing area of research, as these minerals can act as scavengers for heavy elements, impacting soils, surface sediments, and even associated aquatic systems. The genesis of romanechite is linked to the progressive interaction of silicate aqueous solutions enriched in Al, Si, and Fe with the limestone substrate. The findings provide new insights into the genetic processes responsible for the formation of reddish Mn incrustations, supporting their polygenetic origin because of the chemical alteration of limestone and allochthonous siliciclastic muds.