14.5" Calcite & Aragonite Stalactite Formation - Morocco

This enormous formation of calcite coating aragonite comes from Ighoud, Morocco. The stalactite formations are found in pockets during mining operations. About half of this specimen has a web-like structure, while the rest is covered in a mass of aragonite crystal cluster.

Stalactites form when water, seeping through rock, reaches an opening such as a cave or tunnel. Once this mineral-rich water (calcite in this case) precipitates out of the rock wall/ceiling, it leaves behind a crystal as the precipitate builds with each drop of water.

Stalagmites are likely to form from this process as those drops land on a cave floor, since the drops from the ceiling will still contain high mineral content. As long as water keeps flowing, it will continue to precipitate into stalactites and stalagmites.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Calcite & Aragonite
LOCATION
Ighoud, Morocco
SIZE
14.5" long, 11" wide, 11.2" tall. Weighs 37.8 lbs
CATEGORY
ITEM
#61223