Discovery of the Proterozoic low-grade metamorphic submarine carbonatite lavas in China

The carbonatite lavas found in the Kunyang Group were formed in submarine extrusive environment. Many igneous features (e.g. colors, textures, structures, minerals, inclusions) are clear. But most of their petrologic characteristics are different from typical carbonatites over the world. Most petrologic details of the rocks are given by comparison with other carbonatites and adjacent sedimentary dolomites. The discovery of the lavas proves that the carbonatite volcano also existed in Kunyang rift.