Ikaite (CaCO3·6H2O) is a metastable hydrous carbonate mineral. It occurs in the cold regions of Earth and readily transforms into more stable carbonate minerals such as calcite or vaterite. The conditions for the formation and transformation of ikaite, however, are insufficiently explored. Important implications of the occurrence of ikaite, such as its potentially large effects on the polar carbon cycle or its applicability as low temperature proxy, therefore, cannot be assessed adequately.
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