Aragonite Crystals within Codiacean Algae: Distinctive Morphology and Sedimentary Implications

Authors

Ronald D. Perkins, Duke University
Michael D. McKenzie, Duke University
Patricia Blackwelder, Duke UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Science

ISSN

0036-8075

Publication Date

2-11-1972

Abstract

Morphologic studies of single crystals of aragonite within Codiacean algae reveal characteristic crystal forms produced by two distinctly different modes of calcification. Diagnostic serrated crystals (1 micrometer in length) of aragonite originating within the extracellular sheaths of capitular filaments are incorporated into modern lime sediments and may serve as effective tracers for particles of algal origin. Intracellular calcification within Penicillus dumetosus, previously unreported, is represented by doubly terminated aragonite crystals ranging in size from 48 to 160 micrometers.

DOI

10.1126/science.175.4022.624

Volume

175

Issue

4022

First Page

624

Last Page

626

Comments

©1972 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science

NSUWorks Citation

Ronald D. Perkins, Michael D. McKenzie, and Patricia Blackwelder. 1972. Aragonite Crystals within Codiacean Algae: Distinctive Morphology and Sedimentary Implications .Science , (4022) : 624 -626. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_facarticles/831.