MINERALOGICAL STUDIES ON CALCAREOUS ALGAE

Calcium carbonate deposition in 17 algal species was studied using X-ray diffraction technique. Argonite was the predominant mineral deposit in chlorophytic genera: Halimeda, Udotea, Acetabularia, Phaeophytic genus: Padina and Rhodophycean genera: Actinotrichia and Galaxaura. In Corallinaceous forms like Amphiroa, Jania and Cheilosporum high magnesium calcite was the predominant mineral. Halite, illite, quartz and feldspar were the major contaminants from surrounding media.