Dolomite as a possible magnesium-containing phase in human tooth enamel

Area of Science:

• Geochemistry
• Solid-state chemistry
• Biomineralization

Background:

• Dolomite, a calcium magnesium carbonate mineral, plays a role in geological and biological systems.
• Understanding dolomite solubility is crucial for various applications, including biomaterials and geological sequestration.
• Cation ordering significantly influences the thermodynamic properties of minerals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a solid-state chemical model for predicting dolomite solubility.
• To investigate the effect of cation ordering on dolomite solubility.
• To assess the potential for dolomite formation in biological environments like tooth enamel.

Main Methods:

• Derivation of a solid-state chemical model based on thermodynamic principles.
• Estimation of solubility for dolomites with varying degrees of cation ordering.
• Comparison of model predictions with known biomineralization processes.

Main Results:

• The derived model accurately estimates dolomite solubility as a function of cation ordering.
• Dolomites precipitated at ordinary temperatures exhibit solubility levels conducive to biomineralization.
• The model supports the hypothesis of in vivo dolomite formation in tooth enamel.

Conclusions:

• Solid-state chemistry provides a robust framework for modeling mineral solubility.
• Cation ordering is a key factor controlling dolomite's geochemical behavior.
• The findings have implications for understanding dental mineralization and developing new biomaterials.