Those dark, fern shaped markings are not fossils at all.
They are dendrites, black manganese mineral growth that branched through the opal, and this cut base shows them across a broad, flat face. The cut base lets it stand upright, so the branching pattern faces the room on a bookshelf, a mantel or an office credenza. It is thin from front to back but wide and tall, which works well on a narrow ledge. Someone who loves botanical patterns, or a collector interested in pseudofossils, will appreciate how much detail is in one stone.
About Dendritic Opal
Dendritic opal is a variety of common opal, without the play of color seen in precious opal. Its dark branching inclusions are manganese oxide minerals, deposited when manganese bearing fluids moved along fractures in the stone. Fine, diffuse dendrites are sometimes sold as moss opal, and the trade name merlinite is applied to some similar material.
Stone Meaning: Dendrite opal is traditionally associated with growth and clarity.
Additional Details
- You receive the exact dendrite opal cut base shown.
- About 7" x 2" x 5.5"; about 2.63 kg (5.8 lb) as listed.
- Opal is moderately soft, about 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale; keep it away from harder stones and sudden temperature changes.
Shipping and Returns
- Carefully packed in reinforced packaging made to protect fragile crystals and minerals in transit.
- We have shipped delicate stones for years, and every order is packed with that experience.
- Covered by our 30-day return policy.
Disclaimer: Please consult a healthcare professional for any medical advice. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition.
