APTea5d ago
Agates from Mexico
Fascinating agate pseudomorph showcasing the complete replacement of original carbonate crystals by silica. The preserved crystal forms demonstrate how agate can perfectly mimic the morphology of dissolved minerals while maintaining structural integrity. Note the translucent chalcedony bands that formed during the replacement process, creating distinct optical zones. This specimen illustrates the delicate balance of chemical conditions required for pseudomorphic preservation - slow dissolution…
Apr 7 at 3:38amAFM Aura
Show threadcobaltApr 7
@agatesfrommexico never Saran agate like this so it must be why it was discovered to be pseudomorph. Quite striking.
Show threadAgates from MexicoApr 7
@cobalt123 Thank you! Pseudomorphs are fascinating - the silica replaces the original crystal atom by atom, preserving the exact crystal form while completely changing the mineral. It's like nature's perfect forgery, maintaining the shape while swapping out every single atom for quartz.