Apophyllite Crystal Cast

Sparkling crystals of tightly compacted Apophyllite crystals glitter like freshly fallen snow on this microcrystalline crystal cast from India. A truly unique formation, this geologic treasure forms in a similar way to how a doctor might create a cast around a broken limb. The sparkly white Apophyllite crystals grew naturally around a centralized mineral (likely Mordenite), forming a cast. Over time, the original mineral naturally dissolved inside the crystal pocket, leaving behind just the exterior cast of crystals. With an almost helix-like shape, this specimen creates a captivating display from multiple angles. 

What makes this specimen even more interesting is the way in which it was discovered. Large scale communal water wells are dug throughout India. During the creation of the Water Well at Maka, Ahmednagar District in Maharashtra, India, the construction workers hit a crystal pocket with these amazing formations inside! Mineral collectors then carefully extracted these delicate formations, allowing us to hold a piece of these interesting and rare mineral formations.