North America, Southern United States, Central Florida, Withlacoochee River, Oligocene period, ca. 38 million years ago. This is a beautiful agatized and fossilized coral geode that resembles a miniature cave! Over millions of years, silica replaced the coral minerals, creating chalcedony agate. The interior cavity is open to view the unusual semi-translucent chalcedony structures in pale blue hues. These structures are botryoidal or "bubble-like," and appear as if they are given a light dusting of velvety blue-white powder - certainly surreal! When lit from behind, the structures have a warm yellow glow. Agatized coral is highly prized not only by fossil collectors but by gem and mineral collectors as well. The majority of agatized coral is either solid inside when sliced or it possesses a relatively unremarkable internal cavity. However, this example is dreamy and visually striking with the rounded, translucent lobes which make it stand out from what is normally observed! Size: 4.25" L x 3.5" W x 4" H (10.8 cm x 8.9 cm x 10.2 cm)

Exquisite forms from Florida are especially in demand as the state produces some of the finest examples of this geological oddity in the entire world. In fact, agatized coral is the state rock of Florida! Hundreds of agatized coral specimens must be found and sliced to even find one like this with botryoidal crystals! Agatized coral of this quality is so rare that it is usually cut up and used in very expensive pieces of custom jewelery. As a complete crystal specimen, this geode is worth even more in its natural state!

Provenance: ex-private USA collection, acquired in 2006

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#166810

Professionally excavated. Intact with no repairs or restoration.