Microscopy Primer
Light and Color
Microscope Basics
Special Techniques
Digital Imaging
Confocal Microscopy
Live-Cell Imaging
Photomicrography
Microscopy Museum
Virtual Microscopy
Fluorescence
Web Resources
License Info
Image Use
Custom Photos
Partners
Site Info
Contact Us
Publications
Home

The Galleries:

Photo Gallery
Silicon Zoo
Pharmaceuticals
Chip Shots
Phytochemicals
DNA Gallery
Microscapes
Vitamins
Amino Acids
Birthstones
Religion Collection
Pesticides
BeerShots
Cocktail Collection
Screen Savers
Win Wallpaper
Mac Wallpaper
Movie Gallery

Polarized Light Microscopy Digital Image Gallery

Coquina

Limestone is a common sedimentary rock that chiefly consists of calcium carbonate. A type of limestone that is almost entirely comprised of coarse shells and shell fragments cemented together is called coquina.

Coquina is a rare type of rock, few deposits of the limestone having been identified around the world. The best-known occurrences of coquina, however, can be found in Florida. In fact, after losing a number of wooden fortifications in fires, coquina became the preferred building material for Spaniards inhabiting St. Augustine, the first permanent European settlement in the United States, during the 1600s. Thus, fittingly, coquina is a Spanish term that derives from the word cockle, which is believed to be a diminutive of form of concha, meaning "shell." Many buildings constructed during the Spanish occupation of Florida stand to this day, acting as a testament to the durability of the rock. Furthermore, the Castillo de San Marcos, which the Spaniards began constructing in 1672 and which is considered the largest coquina structure on Earth, is so strong that it was never taken by military force. Today, this impressive fortress is a national monument that thousands of visitors enjoy each year.


BACK TO THE ROCKS AND MINERALS GALLERY

BACK TO THE POLARIZED LIGHT GALLERY

Questions or comments? Send us an email.
© 1998-2022 by Michael W. Davidson and The Florida State University. All Rights Reserved. No images, graphics, scripts, or applets may be reproduced or used in any manner without permission from the copyright holders. Use of this website means you agree to all of the Legal Terms and Conditions set forth by the owners.
This website is maintained by our
Graphics & Web Programming Team
in collaboration with Optical Microscopy at the
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.
Last modification: Friday, Nov 13, 2015 at 02:19 PM
Access Count Since November 20, 2003: 14276
For more information on microscope manufacturers,
use the buttons below to navigate to their websites: