paleonet searching ~2 g of modern siliceous sponge spicules

["Stephen A. Schellenberg" <schellen@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello all.  I would like to examine the efficiency of a biogenic opal 
extraction method used for bulk sediments, specifically with respect 
to two "pure" end-members: diatoms and sponge spicules.  To do this, 
I seek ~2 g of "pure" modern siliceous sponge spicules, preferably 
from a deep-water species.  Could someone out there provide such 
material or suggest a good source?  If possible, I'd also like to 
examine solubilities between a couple different sponge species.  Most 
commercial sponges I've come across are pure spongin, and I'd prefer 
not to pick a gazillion individual spicules out of marine sediments. 
Thanks for any help or suggestions, and feel free to respond 
off-line.  Cheers, Stephen
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Stephen A. Schellenberg
Institute of Marine Sciences
University of California
1156 High Street - EMS-A232
Santa Cruz, CA 95064

831.459.3123 - Lab
831.459.3074 - Fax