Abstract

ORCHE GARCIA, Enrique. Travertine precipitation by petrifying waters in Huancavelica (Peru). A geological heritage with history. REV. MAMYM [online]. 2021, vol.6, n.2, pp.23-40. ISSN 2519-5352.

ABSTRACT For different reasons, the formation of travertine (due its use in buildings construction) and petrifaction of twigs and leaves by waters with calcium bicarbonate (as curious geological phenomenon) have been commented by some viceregal authors, without understanding such processes. In fact, these petrified vegetables were confused with real fossils for a long time. Both phenomena are originated by carbonate precipitation from calcium-rich groundwaters. In the fullness of time, ideas were fitting to new knowledge so at the end of XVIII century they were close to present ones. In order for the phenomenon to be well understood, in this paper the precipitation of travertine’s from calcareous waters is described, the importance of the plant habitat to which these waters give rise is discussed, the viceregal testimonies are reproduced in this regard, and it ends with a proposal for the cataloging of these travertine’s as geological heritage.

Keywords : Heritage; Huancavelica; Peru; petrifaction; travertine; water.

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