Ultrafine-grained magnetite in deep-sea sediments: Possible bacterial magnetofossils

Research Article| September 01, 1984 Ultrafine-grained magnetite in deep-sea sediments: Possible bacterial magnetofossils Joseph L. Kirschvink; Joseph L. Kirschvink 1170-25, Department of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Shih-Bin R. Chang Shih-Bin R. Chang 1170-25, Department of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1984) 12 (9): 559–562. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1984)12<559:UMIDSP>2.0.CO;2 Article history first online: 01 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Joseph L. Kirschvink, Shih-Bin R. Chang; Ultrafine-grained magnetite in deep-sea sediments: Possible bacterial magnetofossils. Geology 1984;; 12 (9): 559–562. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1984)12<559:UMIDSP>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract A new extraction technique now permits ultrafine magnetite crystals to be separated from a variety of deep-sea sediments. Morphologic characterization of these particles with transmission electron microscopy reveals the presence of several distinct crystal types, some of which closely resemble those formed by the magnetotactic bacteria. The apparently biogenic magnetite particles are of single-domain size and dominate the population in calcareous deep-sea sediments. Bacterially precipitated magnetite may therefore be a major source of the stable magnetic remanence in some marine sediments. These objects possibly constitute the smallest mineral fossils yet recovered from the sedimentary record. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.