Agatized Druzy Coral

Fabulous, with amazing detail from North Florida. The fine druzy coating the inside of the geode sparkles in the light.

A fascinating and beautiful natural gemstone that forms through a rare and lengthy geological process. It begins as ancient coral, originally composed of calcium carbonate, that lived in warm, shallow seas millions of years ago. Over time, as the coral fossilized, it became buried under layers of sediment. Silica-rich groundwater then slowly permeated the porous coral, and over thousands to millions of years, this silica replaced the original organic material on a molecular level. This process is known as agatization, and it transforms the fossilized coral into agate, a variety of microcrystalline quartz, preserving the original coral structure in stone.

The term "druzy" refers to the tiny crystals that form on the surface of the agatized coral during the later stages of this transformation. As the silica-rich fluids continue to seep into cavities or surfaces of the fossil, they deposit a thin layer of quartz crystals. These fine, glittering crystals are called druzy quartz, and they add a sparkling, sugar-like texture to the surface of the fossil, giving it a unique and eye-catching appearance.

So, agatized druzy coral is essentially ancient coral that has been transformed into agate and adorned with a natural layer of glittering quartz crystals — a combination of fossil, mineral, and crystal that makes it both scientifically intriguing and highly prized in jewelry and collections.