Silver "sparkles" on middle element - what are they?

Hi, I have a Pentax-A 35-135mm f/3.5-4.5 which at first glance is in excellent condition but when I have studied it under bright light, the middle element seems to be covered in what I can only describe as tiny silver sparkles. They are smaller than a pinhead and appear to be spread uniformly across the entire surface. They are so small they can only be seen when tilted at a certain angle but they are definately there.
Any ideas on what they could be?

Thanks
Jim

This is a total stab in the dark, but the uniform nature suggests it could be something to do with the lens coating:

I did think that it could be the coating as they are definatley uniformly spaced across the entire surface but it is something that I have never seen before

It's possible two elements are coming apart and this is the cement causing the sparkles. In some other makes, effects like this are call "white spot" but I've never actually seen it in a Pentax lens.

Not pixie dust then?!

That'll be it Dave!!