Moss agate, close-up. Agate is an aggregate of different forms of silica (chalcedony) within a geode. A geode forms when the silica precipitates from
Moss agate, close-up. Agate is an aggregate of different forms of silica (chalcedony) within a geode. A geode forms when the silica precipitates from liquid onto the inside surface of an empty pocket in a host rock. Moss agate, also called mocha stone, gets its name from the green-coloured minerals it contains (possibly chromium- or iron-bearing) in a dendritic pattern suggestive of moss. The colours and arrangements of microcrystals are influenced by changes in pressure, temperature, and mineral content that occur during the formation process. Magnification: when printed 10 centimetres wide.
Size: 5220px × 3547px
Photo credit: © DIRK WIERSMA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: agate, amorphous, branch-, branchlike, chalcedony, chrome, close-, cross, cross-section, cryptocrystalline, cut, dendrites, dendritic, deposit, deposition, depositions, deposits, detail, dioxide, earth, gem, gemstone, geode, geological, geology, graded, green, iron, microcrystal, microcrystals, mineral, mineralisations, mineralogy, mocha, moss, moss-, mosslike, pattern, patterned, patterns, polished, science, section, sectioned, silica, silicon, stone, surface, variegated
