Rocks, Minerals & Ores
Mineral Sequence in the Cady Mountains
Calcite scalenohedron
CaCO3 (trigonal)Cady Mountains, Mojave Desert, CA
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Mineral Sequence in the Cady Mountains
In the heart of the Mojave Desert’s Cady Mountains, calcite crystals take on a striking form known as the scalenohedron. These sharply pointed, trigonal structures—often called “dogtooth spar”—grow within vesicles, the gas bubble cavities left in volcanic rock. Over time, mineral-rich fluids seeped through these spaces, and calcium carbonate crystallized into elongated, triangular prisms that taper to fine points. These natural formations are admired for their symmetry, clarity, and gentle translucence, sometimes appearing in creamy white, pale amber, or soft gray hues depending on trace minerals. Beyond their visual appeal, scalenohedral calcite tells a story of ancient volcanic activity and the quiet, slow chemistry that shapes desert geology. Each crystal is a reminder of the Mojave’s dynamic underground past and is treasured by geologists and collectors for the precision and beauty nature creates beneath the surface.