Carbonate silicate reactions at conditions of the Earth’s mantle and the role of carbonates as possible trace element carriers Carbonates play a key role in the chemistry and dynamics of our planet. They are directly connected to the CO2 budget of our atmosphere and have a great impact on the deep carbon cycle. Moreover recent studies have shown that carbonates are stable along the geothermal gradient down to Earths lower mantle conditions changing their crystal structure and related properties. Subducted carbonates may also react with silicates to form new phases. These reactions will redistribute elements such as calcium (Ca) magnesium (Mg) iron (Fe) and carbon in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) but also trace elements that are carried by the carbonates. The trace elements of most interest are strontium (Sr) and rare earth elements (REE) which have been found to be important constituents in the composition of the primitive lower mantle and in mineral inclusions found in super deep diamonds. However the stability of carbonates in presence of mantle silicates at relevant temperatures is far from being well understood. Related to this very little is ...