Collection: Dendrite opal

Dendrite Opal is a variety of common opal characterized by tree like or fern like branching inclusions made of manganese or iron oxides.
Mineral class- Silicate
Crystal system- Amorphous (it had no true crystal structure or lattice)
Rock formation:
Environment- Volcanic and sedimentary environments where silica-rich groundwater percolates through cavities,fissures and fractures in host rocks (such as sandstone,shale or limestone).
Process- A low- temperature silica gel or solution deposits hydrous silica dioxide,solidifying into common opal.
Secondary metal-bearing fluids rich in manganese or iron oxides infiltrate microscopic fractures or pores within the semi-solid or hardened silica matrix.
These metallic minerals precipitate rapidly along the pathways into characteristic (branching tree like) patterns before the entire structure is permanently sealed.
Hardness-5.5-6.5 on the MOHs scale.