Description
Septarian Stone Nodule 7.3cm diameter, 2 halves cut & polished
This gorgeous Septarian Stone nodule is in two halves revealing the wonderful patterns inside. These patterns in the two matching halves are quite superb, with contrasting colours of gunmetal grey and white. This Septarian Stone nodule is from Morocco. These fascinating stones occur in various countries, ranging from the USA to Madagascar. Occasionally we see superb local Dorset Sectarian Stones, the largest being a metre across.
Septarian stones are limestone nodules, these are also known as ‘Dragon Stones’. The actual name ‘Septarian’ comes from the latin word ‘septum‘ meaning partition, which describes the crack within the stone. They date back to between 50 and 70 years millions of years ago during the Cretacious period. These nodules start off as balls on mud in the aftermath of volcanic eruptions. These mud balls then came to rest on the sea bed. Over time they gradually became covered in sediment and organic material, this played a crucial part. Over millions of years a crust formed, the oceans receded and the mud then dried and shrank, and the mineral aragonite and limestone formed. Calcite then gradually created in the remaining internal cavities. This left dramatic centres with their myriad of beautiful shapes, every pair are totally unique.
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