20 
BEEKITE. 
SUMMARY. 
1. — The mineral called “ Beekite ” (after a former Dean of 
Bristol), occurs plentifully in several zones in situ in our district. 
2. — It is a variety of Chalcedony in the shape of dots and rings, 
or in other terms Orbicular and Annular. 
3. — It occurs only on calcareous organisms, either those having 
tests (Molluscs), or skeletons (corals, encrinites, &c.) 
4. — It is found in situ in a considerable number of formations 
and localities, both British and foreign, on fossils belonging to 
such beds, and therefore the theory of its only occurring in rocks 
of a conglomerate character is absolutely untenable, 
5. — That the persistent connexion of this peculiar mineral with 
organisms is a strong indication of its origin being organic. 
6. — The most probable causes of its formation are^ three in 
number, (i) an organism having a calcareous shell or skeleton ; 
(2) an attacking force of boring creatures, such as worms, sponges, 
&c., and (3) a sufficient quantity of dissolved Silica in the water 
to be attracted by the decomposing animal matter, and deposited 
on and around the bore-holes in the form of globules and rings. 
7. — The process would start as soon as decomposition com- 
menced, therefore Beekite would be formed shortly after the death 
of the victim and would probably be a fairly rapid deposit. 
8. — Once fairly started the deposit might continue for an indefinite 
period, which would be determined by the amount of Silica forth- 
coming. 
9. — Given a combination of the three causes (mentioned in 
Clause 6) the're is no reason why Beekite should not be deposited 
at the present time, in fact there is already evidence that it is 
forming in certain localities in Australia, &c., and it is confidently 
expected that further examples will be noted as soon as more 
attention is given to the subject. 
Thanks are due to numerous helpers in the search for specimens 
and information ; among them the following may be named : — 
Drs. G. Abbott, A. Vaughan, and Wheelton Hind, Professor 
Reynolds, Messrs. Upheld Green, H. B. Woodward, C. D. Sherborn, 
F. G. Collins, L. Richardson, B. Lightfoot (Edinburgh), R. Bell 
(Belfast), and especial thanks to Mr. James Strachan, and Mr. 
J. W. Tutcher, for the excellent lantern slides so kindly provided. 
