On the inorganic character of Halichondrites graphitiferus Matthew, a supposed sponge from the Precambrian of Saint John, New Brunswick

Abstract

Discovery of the holotype of Halichondrites graphitiferus Matthew in the collections of the New Brunswick Museum made it necessary to reexamine its affinity to the Porifera as first described by G. F. Matthew in 1890. Since its publication, the organic nature of H. graphitiferus has been questioned; however, the holotype has not been accessible until recent organization of the museum's collections. Examination of the holotype suggests the "spicules," described by Matthew from the Precambrian Green Head Group of Saint John, New Brunswick, are more likely a combination of scratches on the surface of the graphite and cleavage demonstrated by the mineral. Other "spicules" from Musquash Harbour, New Brunswick, are of a similar nature.