3" Sulfur Crystals on Fluorescent Aragonite - Italy

This is a 3" wide aragonite and sulfur crystal association, collected from the Cozzodisi Mine in Sicilia, Italy. Gorgeous sulfur crystals can be found scattered throughout this aragonite encrusted matrix. Under UV lighting, these aragonite crystals fluoresce orange. There are two relatively flat edges on this specimen, allowing for aesthetic presentation without the need for a display stand.

The chemical composition of this vibrant mineral is S8, eight sulfur atoms bonded together to form a sulfur molecule. The crystal structures are typically tabular or blocky dipyramids that form in sedimentary rock.

One note on handling: sulfur crystals can crack when exposed to rapid changes in temperature.

Aragonite is one of two common calcium carbonate (CaCO3) minerals: the other is calcite, of which aragonite forms as a pseudomorph. Its crystal lattice differs from calcite, resulting in a different crystal shape. It displays a translucent to white color when pure, and when impure can vary between yellow, green, pink, blue and brown. It typically forms in low-temperature hydrothermal veins, in hot springs, and as precipitates from chemicals in sedimentary rock. It can also form under biological processes: aragonite forms naturally in most mollusk shells, and as the calcareous endoskeleton most corals.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Aragonite & Sulfur
LOCATION
Cozzodisi Mine, Sicily, Italy
SIZE
3 x 2.5"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#129094