#opalization

[mineralsrocksandfossiltalks]

SCIENCE SATURDAY:OPALIZATION

This is a really simple process. Opalization occurs when silica-rich water gets into cavities. These cavities can simply be holes in rocks or could be pores in bones or wood. Then the water evaporates and leaves behind the silica minerals. Repeatedly. Voila! Opalization.

[peroxidebutch]

A lovely fossil ammonite our Grandmother got us as a gift when she last visited! If you're considering buying a nautilus shell for display- think again! Nautilus are currently being overfished for their shells, but ammonites have been extinct for thousands of years, plus they can have neat patterns and opalization, as displayed here! 🦑🐚

[minerallus]

A stone my friend V sent me a while back... one of the last she’d gotten at a mineral market. Said it reminded her of a mushroom and at the time I’d been really into mushrooms (still am) which made her think of me.  This stone has really been hitting the spot lately. Don’t know why.  Been really craving that white opalization effect that this has in spades.  The energy profile of Carnelian (creativity, energy, positivity!) has also been welcome...

[theoldbone]

Tyler Thrasher Art

A whole lotta tiny science magic for ya. One of my opalized flowers under a microscope! These have been incredibly tricky as the petals tend to shift when the opal solution settles on the flower. This causes disturbances in the nanostructure which can yield solid white opal. This is a little closer to my dream opalized flower and with the little time I can manage on this project, I’m hoping for more solid results in the coming weeks.

[escuerzoresucitado]

opalized bones

[isadewdrop]

hand sized ammonite.....it has the most beautiful red/yellow fiery flashes of opalization and SO MUCH PURPLE