These beautiful fossils are found in Indonesia and are characterized by these tiny flower-like forms. They are highly valued and used in many different types of jewelry. The original corals were alive in reefs during the Miocene epoch, more than 20 million years ago. The spaces left by the living part of coral were replaced with deposits of agate. The carbonate skeleton of the corals were later dissolved and replaced by silicates, rich in iron and manganese. This specimen was cut and polished adding to its jewel-like quality.

PURPOSE

Future book.

EQUIPMENT / TECHNIQUES

Zeiss Axiophot Miccroscope, reflected light