Primary and diagenetic microstructures in trilobites

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Abstract
Ordovician and Deonian trilobites were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to define primary and diagenetic microstructures. Primary structures such as Osmolska cavities and hexagonal surface openings are present in samples obtained from both shale and limestone lenses in shales. Generally, samples with primary microstructures are also geochemically well preserved. Diagenetic microstructures were found in samples from shales and limestones, but those from limestones are the most geochemically and microstructurally altered. ''Dendritic'' patterns and fused matrics were found in the altered cuticles of trilobites of different species and ages and are therefore considered a normal feature of the diagenetic alteration of cuticular calcite. Primary and diagenetic microstructures of trilobite cuticles are independent of size, species and age of the specimens, but are largely controlled by lithology and thus diagenesis.