Fossil Agatized Coral Small | Withlacoochee River, Florida

These Fossil Agatized Corals are relatively thin and flat, making them perfect for crafting and jewelry-making. Please refer to all photos and measurements listed here and feel free to send us a message with any questions or requests. Location: Withlacoochee River, Florida Weight: 16 grams Size: 5.5-3.5 cm x 3-4 cm x ~0.5-1 cm The transformation of coral into agatized coral begins with the death of coral polyps, leaving behind their hard, calcium carbonate-based skeletons. The coral skeletons become buried in sediment, which helps to protect them from degradation. Over time, minerals such as agate, calcite, or silicate replace the calcium carbonate that composes the coral's structure. This replacement not only preserves the intricate details of the ancient coral but also imparts a distinctive banded appearance to the resulting stone, known as agatized coral. In Tampa, Florida, agatized coral, designated as the state stone, offers a glimpse into the distant past, dating back approximately 38 to 25 million years during the Oligocene-Miocene period. These fossils, primarily of the Montastrea species, are discovered in ancient seabeds where silica-rich groundwater has flowed through, methodically replacing the original calcium with silica and leaving behind ornately patterned fossils. The array of colors in these agatized corals, including shades of white, gray, brown, black, yellow, and red, is due to different trace minerals within the agate. This variety adds to the allure of these fossils, making them highly coveted by collectors. Found in locations such as the Tampa Bay area near Ballast Point and further north along the Withlacoochee River in Madison County, these fossils are scientifically significant and aesthetically pleasing, capturing the attention of enthusiasts and researchers alike. This listing is for one crystal, as pictured. Please see all the photos and videos, and feel free to message me if you have any further questions. I take pictures in lighting that best represents the crystal, but monitor settings may slightly affect the colors displayed on your screen. All crystals have been carefully hand-selected for their quality and aesthetic appeal, ensuring you receive a beautiful piece.