Halysites, a colonial tabulate coral (see Favosites), is
relatively common in Silurian rocks. It can be recognized
by the distinctive pattern of winding, beaded lines
covering its surface, rather like a conglomeration of
pearl necklaces, This feature has earned it the
informal name of 'chain coral'. Like the other
specimens on these two pages, Halysites was an
important Mid-Palaeozoic reef builder.
It formed large, upright
colonies that resembled a
curved or folded sheer. Its
remains are often found
in association with
those of Heliolites
and Favosites.
Left: When viewed
from above, Halysites
has a distinctive '
beaded, winding
pattern, earning it the
name 'chain coral'