Rocks, Minerals & Ores
Mineral Sequence in the Cady Mountains
Calcite scalenohedron
in vesicleCady Mountains, Mojave Desert, CA
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Mineral Sequence in the Cady Mountains
Deep within the volcanic rocks of the Cady Mountains, calcite crystals grow into sharp, elegant scalenohedrons inside small cavities known as vesicles. These vesicles, once gas bubbles trapped in cooling lava, became perfect chambers for mineral formation. Over time, mineral-rich groundwater seeped into these hollows, and as conditions stabilized, calcium carbonate began to crystallize into distinct scalenohedral forms. These crystals—often described as “dogtooth spar” due to their pointed shapes—are part of the trigonal crystal system and can appear translucent, milky, or lightly colored by impurities. Their striking geometry and well-preserved forms make them a favorite among mineral collectors and geologists. More than just beautiful specimens, these calcites offer a window into the Mojave Desert’s volcanic history and the quiet, persistent processes that shape minerals beneath the surface. Each one is a snapshot of nature’s slow and precise handiwork.