Diatoms are microscopic golden/brown algae that have intricately marked glass-like shells (frustules). The markings on the shells are best seen when you treat the diatom with a strong acid to remove all the inner stuff. The frustule itself is virtually indestructible. Diatoms can be found anywhere there is water. Some can swim while others do not; some species band together to form long chains or tight colonies. I hope this helps.
5 Comments
Thanks for the kind remarks. Yes, the microscope is pretty nifty. A Leica. A decent camera helps as well.
Great to see these here and thanks for the information, Elton.
Excellent photo... great detail. Thanks.
Must be a good microscope.
Diatoms are microscopic golden/brown algae that have intricately marked glass-like shells (frustules). The markings on the shells are best seen when you treat the diatom with a strong acid to remove all the inner stuff. The frustule itself is virtually indestructible. Diatoms can be found anywhere there is water. Some can swim while others do not; some species band together to form long chains or tight colonies. I hope this helps.
Do you have any info on this you can give me?