Description & Provenance

Agatized coral occurs when the calcium carbonate skeleton of corals in the ocean become partially dissolved by acidic ground water, and are then partially replaced by silica (and more specifically, the variation of quartz known as agate). This long process, which takes around 20-30 million years, results in the formation of a “pseudomorph,” whereby one mineral (the agate) replaces another mineral (or in this case, coral) without losing the original form. Each example is astonishingly distinct and nearly all of the best examples come from just two places on earth, Indonesia, and the United States. The primary source for the U.S. is the Florida-Georgia area; notably, agatized coral is the official state stone of Florida.

This is one such example from the Tampa area of Florida, it is half of an agatized coral geode. This concave specimen is filled with shimmering, ivory-colored chalcedony that has overtaken the original coral. Spectacular and transportive, peering into this specimen is like exploring a magical cave of stalactites or a different world entirely. Its beauty and special method of formation make it a great conversation starter in any space.

(The matching half to this specimen is also available for those who wish to acquire them as a set.)

For more information about this mineral specimen please contact us.