Re: [Geology2] Diatomaceous Earth In That Volcanic Province?

This is speculation, since I am not familiar with the area, and also is based on what I remember from taking sedimentology in the 80s.  Diatomite is formed a considerable depth, so on-land deposits are rare; California is one of the few areas where they are known.  I would expect such a deposit in the Costal Range, though, not near Redding.

 

I could not find Lake Briton in my road atlas, and will try to do some more research.

 

Kenneth Quinn

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Kim Noyes

To: Geology2 ; NorCal-Rocks ; goldcountryrocks

Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 1:34 PM

Subject: [Geology2] Diatomaceous Earth In That Volcanic Province?

 

Would somebody be able and willing to explain to me how this material formed in such an otherwise volcanic region?

From the pages of the Redding Record-Searchlight 50 years ago:

1963: Diatomaceous earth would be mined near Lake Briton by a Covina company.
The D and F Mining Co. bought rights to 1,200 acres of diatomaceous earth.
The company was the only bidders when the U.S. Forest Service offered the deposit for sale.