Oxygen isotope fractionation during smithsonite formation from aqueous solutions

The obtained α(18O)smithsonite-water values match with the general sequence of Zn2+ < Fe2+ < Mn2+ < Ca2+ for mono-cation trigonal Me-carbonate minerals suggesting incorporation of lighter oxygen isotopes in the carbonate mineral at increasing cation radius as indicated from thermodynamic considerations. Potential applications of oxygen isotope fractionation during smithsonite formation for natural aqueous surroundings are discussed.