Coccolithophore 'Emiliania huxleyi' Pendant

This pendant is based on the coccolithophore, Emiliania huxleyi. Emiliania is a single-celled phytoplankton covered by intricate calcium carbonate plates called coccoliths and is studied as a model organism phytoplankton. Emiliania huxleyi, or "Ehux" as it is often referred to, is the most abundant coccolithophore in our oceans and is an important part of the marine food chain. When Ehux blooms, it causes the water to turn a milky turquoise color because the coccoliths themselves reflect light back into the atmosphere, a phenomenon that can be observed from space. Ehux produce alkenones, a type of lipid with fatty acid chains containing 35-41 carbons. Alkenones are an important indicator of the ocean environment because the degree of saturation of the fatty acid chains is dependent on temperature. The chemical composition of the alkenones of Ehux fossils, therefore, will reveal the temperature of the ocean during the time of their growth.

This pendant represents one coccolith of Emiliania. Pendant measures 1.8 cm (0.7 inches) long below the loop and is 1.6 cm (0.6 inches) wide. This size is slightly smaller than the original design, but all details of the coccolith remain and the pendant is more delicate.

The pendant is 3D printed in solid sterling silver or 14K gold plated brass, finished with a 45 cm/18 inch long sterling silver or gold plated silver chain, and is ready for gift giving with a gift box, polishing cloth, and care instructions.