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A study has been made of the microbiology of rock surfaces and weathered stones. Increasing numbers of micro-organisms were found with increasing degree of colonization by lichens, for example, of rock surfaces. The highest numbers were generally found in 'raw' soil in rock crevices where the organic-matter content was high. Bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi were also found in the interior of porous weathered stones but not in unweathered stones. A high proportion of the organisms isolated were able to render silicates soluble when tested in pure culture in the laboratory.

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