Variations in the geochemical signatures of fossil brachiopod shells may be due to diagenesis and/or biological processes (i.e., 'vital effects'). It is critical to characterise them in order to identify reliable shell areas suitable for paleoclimate studies. This investigation contributes to an in-depth understanding of geochemical variations in Gigantoproductus sp. shells (SW Spain, Serpukhovian age), throwing light onto the Late Paleozoic Ice Age interpretation. Microstructural, crystallographic, cathodoluminescence and geochemical (minor and trace elements, δ18O, δ13C, and strontium isotopes) characterisations have been performed on the tertiary layer of the ventral valve, to assess the preservation state. Poorly preserved areas exhibit microstructural and geochemical changes such as recrystallisation, fracturing and higher Mn and Fe enrichment. Moreover, these areas have a higher dispersion of ⁸⁶Sr, ⁸⁷Sr, δ18O and δ13C than well-preserved areas. Three structural regions have been identified in well-preserved areas of the ventral valve by differences in valve curvature and thickness, such as the umbonal and thick and thin regions. These regions have different proportions of Mg, S, Na, δ18O, and δ13C, which are interpreted as 'vital effects' and probably related to growth-rate differences during shell growth. The Gigantoproductus tertiary layer seems the most suitable for paleoclimate studies, because it retains the original microstructure and geochemical composition.
Keywords: LPIA; Serpukhovian; Spain; microstructure; stable-isotope fractionation; trace-element partitioning.