Length : 27 mm
Width : 25 mm
Hight : 8 mm

Manganese Dendrites - Germany

This is a freeform cabochon of Manganese dendrites from the Solnhofen region in southern Germany. This area is known for its limestone in which many fossils are found. And although people often mistake these manganese dendrites for fossil plants, that is not true. These dendrites (Dendrites means branch-shaped) are formed by the mineral/element manganese. This manganese has crystallized between the 145 million year old limestone layers. And it is found in large quantities in some quarries. The strange thing is that it is not found in all limestone quarries.

The great thing about this freeform cabochon is that the black manganese dendrites are clearly visible on both sides. The contrast with the yellow limestone background also makes it an interesting cabochon.