Dolostone, with its complex diagenetic history, has long been debate. The formation of patchy dolostone, which consists of various types of dolomites, is particularly controversial due to the superimposed diagenetic events. In this study, we conducted mineralogical and stable isotope geochemical analyses of the Ediacaran patchy dolostone from the Dengying Formation in South Qinling to elucidate the diagenetic processes involved. Microscopic examination reveals that the patchy dolostone can be classified into three types: Type I, composed of micritic to powdery crystalline dolomite (D1) and fine crystalline dolomite (D2); Type II, primarily consisting of medium-coarse crystalline dolomite (D3) along with D2; and Type III, characterized by the presence of saddle dolomite (SD) and D1. Cathodoluminescence and electron probe microanalysis indicate that D2 and D3 are enriched in Mn and Fe, whereas SD is depleted in Sr and Na compared to D1. Backscattered electron images reveal a prevalence of apatite, particularly in Type III dolostone. Calcite and quartz extensively replace the dolomites. Carbon and oxygen isotopes indicate that D1 has the highest δ13C and δ18O values, while D2 and D3 show negative shifts, and SD exhibits the lowest values. These observations suggest that the transition from D1 to D2 and D3 is due to recrystallization processes during burial. The formation of SD is likely the result of hydrothermal activity. Consequently, the patchy dolostone experienced three main stages of diagenesis, which included the recrystallization of D1 and the formation of SD. Considering the vertical distribution of the patchy dolostone and the occurrence of hyperkarst breccia dolostone, it is reasonable to infer that sea level variations are the primary cause of the formation of patchy dolostone.
