Calcium oxalate hydrates on the surface of lichens

1 June 1985

journal article
research article
Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in The Lichenologist

Vol. 17 (3) , 239-245
https://doi.org/10.1017/s0024282985000305

Abstract

The examination of the surface deposit of various lichens with X-ray diffraction methods, correlated with scanning electron microscopical (SEM) studies, have shown that calcium oxalate is present as two different hydrates; weddellite (CaC₂O₄-(2 + x)H₂O), in three slightly different morphologies, and whewellite (CaC₂O₄H₂O). The reason for the formation of calcium oxalate is not known and the presence of the various crystal forms is yet to be explained. However, the various hydrates may have some role in the water balance as they are different in dry and humid sites.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:

The Occurrence of Copper Oxalate in Lichens Growing on Copper Sulphide-Bearing Rocks In Scandinavia
The Lichenologist, 1984