Muschelkalk

Muschelkalk (Ger., 'shell-lime'), the middle member of the Triassic system as developed in Germany. It is wanting in Britain. The muschelkalk consists chiefly of limestone—the series attaining a thickness of 550 to 1100 feet. The upper portion is more or less pure limestone and highly fossiliferous; the middle and lower portions consist mostly of dolomitic limestone, with which are associated rock-salt, gypsum, and anhydrite. One of the most abundant and characteristic fossils of the muschelkalk is the lily encrinite (Encrinurus liliiformis). See TRIASSIC SYSTEM.