Figure 6
Model of the fossilization processes that lead to the formation of globular and serrate replications of CaOx crystals and druses. (A) Distribution of CaOx and other structures in a fresh leaf. (B–G) Fossilization steps. (B) Covering with sediment; compression, loss of water; (C) Decomposition of soft organic tissue material; (D) Dissolution of CaOx forms voids; (E) Voids are filled with organic matter, perhaps cutin components; (F,G) partial shrinkage of organic material forms globules due to surface tension; new voids formed by shrinkage are filled with ghost mineral components. (H) SEM image of a freshly cleaved plane of leaf coal sample Ro-59.9 (see Fig. 3g–h). Larger cavities contain shrunken remnants of organic material, whereas smaller cavities are empty. Scale bar = 20 µm.
