Silicites of the Blovice Complex (Western Bohemia) – their Probable Genesis, Position and Utilization

Abstract

This article deals with silicites (lydites) and their characteristics in the environs of Western Bohemian villages of Skašov, Týniště and Kbelnice (former Plzeň – jih county). These rocks form long and narrow lenticular bodies in adjacent rocks of the so called Blovice complex (the southern part of Bohemicum, the Teplá – Barrandian part). However, the origin of silicites has not been fully clarified so far. Authors of many studies differ in their opinion – whether these rocks originated either in shallow waters or deep (oceanic) ones, which processes made for this kind of silicites, whether microorganisms were involved, et cetera. In the past, these rocks were quarried because of their excellent properties – hardness, strength as well as a minimum inhibition and utilized for soling forest ways as well as roads and for various constructions including basements, walls and even whole houses – residential and farming ones. In the area, there are many evidences of quarrying lydites in the form of various pits and abandoned quarries with remnants of technology (ramps, service buildings, etc.). The article is supplemented (by / with) original photos as well as simplified maps within the frame of this text.