Rocks, Minerals & Ores
Mineral Sequence in the Cady Mountains
Quartz over aragonite
SiO2Cady Mountains, Mojave Desert, CA
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Mineral Sequence in the Cady Mountains
In the mineral-rich environment of the Cady Mountains, quartz crystals sometimes form a delicate, glassy layer over aragonite, creating a striking natural display. This pairing occurs when silica-rich fluids seep into spaces where aragonite—calcium carbonate in an orthorhombic form—has already crystallized. As the silica begins to cool and deposit, it coats the aragonite below, often enhancing its shape with a sparkling quartz finish. The result is a layered mineral specimen that captures the story of sequential mineral formation in a dynamic geologic setting. This natural coating process not only preserves the underlying aragonite but also adds aesthetic and scientific interest. Found in ancient volcanic cavities, these formations highlight the Mojave Desert’s active mineral history and the quiet forces that shape beauty beneath the surface. For collectors and geologists, it’s a fascinating combination of chemistry, time, and place.