Specimen at a glance
| Mineral | Agatized coral (chalcedony) |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | SiO2 |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5–7 |
| Crystal system | Microcrystalline quartz |
| Locality | Florida |
| You receive | The exact specimen pictured |
About this specimen
Agatized fossilized coral specimen from Florida. Lot #76. Ancient coral fully replaced by agate, showing preserved coral structure.
Agatized coral: the science
- Florida’s agatized coral formed from coral colonies that lived tens of millions of years ago, when shallow seas covered the Florida platform.
- Agatized coral is Florida’s official state stone, adopted in 1979.
- Because the replacement is quartz, the fossil is far harder and tougher than the original coral.
Go deeper
Want the full story on agatized coral: how it forms, how to identify it, and what makes a great specimen?
Questions about this piece
What is agatized coral?
Agatized coral is fossil coral in which the original calcium carbonate was replaced by chalcedony, a microcrystalline quartz, preserving the coral’s structure in stone.
Where was it found?
This piece comes from Florida. We list a locality whenever it is known, because where a mineral formed is part of its story and its value.
How hard is it, and how should I care for it?
It rates 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale. Durable at about Mohs 7. Rinse and air dry; wipe polished areas with a soft cloth.
Is this the exact piece I will receive?
Yes. This listing was photographed individually, and you receive the exact piece shown in the photos.
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