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How are diatom fossils turned into diatomite deposits?
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Algae
The macroscopic genus of algae known as Acetabularia is commonly called âmermaid's wine glassâ because of the distinctive umbrella-like shape of the tips of its stalks.
Diatomite deposits are formed from the accumulation of the microscopic, siliceous shells of diatoms, which are unicellular algae.12
When these organisms die, their silicified cell wallsâknown as frustulesâsettle onto the seafloor or lake beds. Over vast periods, these remains accumulate in large quantities, often alongside other biogenic materials. When these layers of skeletal remains become well-hardened and compressed into sedimentary rock, they form diatomite.123
The resulting material, often referred to as diatomaceous earth, is a light-coloured, porous, and friable substance. These deposits can vary significantly in consistency, ranging from soft, earthy beds to hard, compact rock that is durable enough to be sawed into blocks.1