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Mineral Sequence in the Cady Mountains
Tucked away in California’s Mojave Desert, the Cady Mountains are a hidden trove for geologists and rockhounds alike. The region showcases a fascinating sequence of mineral crystallization, where each mineral forms in a specific order, influenced by temperature, pressure, and chemistry. This natural process creates stunning examples of aragonite, fluorite, hematite, quartz, and chalcedony, each with unique shapes and crystal structures. Whether it’s the glassy sheen of quartz-agate geodes or the rusty shimmer of hematite, the area offers a vivid look into the earth’s inner workings. More than just beautiful rocks, these minerals help tell the story of volcanic activity, hydrothermal systems, and the dynamic forces that shaped the Mojave. Exploring these mineral patterns gives insight into both regional geology and the universal processes that build our planet from the inside out.-
Calcite scalenohedron
Aragonite
Fluorite
Aragonite
Fluorite
Fluorite
Fluorite
Fluorite
Calcite scalenohedron
Calcite scalenohedron twin
Calcite scalenohedron
Calcite scalenohedron
Quartz over aragonite
Chalcedony var. jasper
Calcite scalenohedron twin
Fluorite
Calcite scalenohedron
Fluorite (round) on quartz
Fluorite (round) on quartz
Fluorite
Hematite with quartz, aragonite
Stilbite
Fluorite
Quartz-agate geode
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Rocks, Minerals, Crystals & Ores
Crystals grow where basalt flows
Basalt flows and coarse sand filled early Miocene extensional basins 20 million years ago. Vesicles formed by large gas bubbles in the basalt were focal points for deposition of aragonite, blue agate, sparkling quartz, pointed calcite crystals, and round balls of fluorite. After the basalt was faulted, twinned calcite crystals filled the fractures. As ground water dissolved the calcite, shelf agate grew from fracture vents. Hot fluids then deposited green and purple octahedral flourites on the shelf agate.