Pyrolyzed Silica Phytolith
This is a pyrolzed silica phytolith from an
environmental tapelift collected in a home exposed to a wheat field
fire.
Reflected Darkfield Illumination
Definition/Function:
Elongated silica phytoliths are common in grasses. When exposed to high heat the
moisture in the phytolith creates a frothy structure hard to see with
transmitted light. It is evident by a slight orange color but is much more evident when
viewed with reflected darkfield illumination.
Significance in the Environment:
Characteristic Features:
Associated Particles:
References:
