Dendrite Inclusion in Opal

July 20, 2022

 

Opal

Photographer: Mila Zinkova 

Summary Author: Mila Zinkova   

In an earlier Earth Science Picture of the Day, I showed dendrite crystals in amber. This type of crystal, typically formed from metal oxides, has also been observed in precious opals found in Ethiopia, as featured above. However, in opals, the dendrites are sometimes presented as 3D like plumes. Click here to see a video of this amazing opal with dendrite inclusions. It really does look like a magical forest.


Related Links:

https://epod.usra.edu/blog/2020/08/color-in-opals.html

Color in Opals