Mineral Species: Quartz var. Chalcedony
Chemical Formula: SiO2
Chemical Name: Silicon Dioxide
Mineral Class: Tectosilicate
Mineral Notes: Chalcedony is a microcrystalline variety of quartz occurring as botryoidal masses. The mineral typically forms in rock cavities at low temperatures as a precipitate from aqueous silica-rich solutions.
Description: A very unusual and attractive Chalcedony nodule. The centre is filled by clear quartz which shows a marked degree of crystallinity. Surrounding this "eye" is pale brown Chalcodony quartz which shows thin banding of alternating light and dark laters. The most attractive feature of the specimen, however, is the distinct chatoyancy seen in the banding as the nodule is moved around under oblique light.
Location: Ethel Creek, Western Australia, Australia.