Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 May 2009
The shell-substance of the non-marine lamellibranchs from a band in the Lower similis-pulchra Zone of Lancashire is shown to be ankerite. The same mineral also forms pockets inside certain of the shells, the pockets being developed most frequently in the stratigraphically uppermost part of the spaces between the valves. It is considered that the ankerite in the pockets has occupied spaces left by shrinkage of the original mud-filling of the shells. Chemical analyses, specific gravity, and optical properties of the ankerite are given; its composition closely approximates to (Mg2Fe)Ca3(CO3)6.