A Geoscience Digital Image Library
A Geoscience Digital Image Library
| Title | Calcite (Mexican onyx) from Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico |
|---|---|
| Description | This is a polished slab of a variety of calcite called “Mexican Onyx.” Mexican onyx is travertine or tufa (both types of calcite) formed at hot springs. Other than the banding, Mexican onyx has no relationship to true onyx which is a variety of agate. This sample is from Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico and is about 9.5 cm across. A specimen such as this could not be collected today because Carlsbad Caverns is a National Park. |
| Location | USA ▹ New Mexico. Near Carlsbad. Carlsbad Caverns. |
| Photographer | Darla Sondrol. 2001-06-12. |
| Collection | University of North Dakota Mineralogy Collection #613. |
| Key words | calcite, New Mexico, mexican onyx |
| Tech details | 374 KB. Hand specimen. Fujifilm FinePix S1Pro digital camera; 60mm AF Nikon micro lens. |
| GeoDIL number | 700 |
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