Aragonite from Gergovie (Massif Central - France)

Discover the photographs of an aragonite from Gergovie (Massif Central, France).

Aragonite from Gergovie, in the Puy-de-Dôme region, occurs in the form of fibrous or acicular aggregates, arranged in radiating tufts or crusts lining the cavities of volcanic formations. The crystals, generally white to light beige in color, may sometimes exhibit pearly or silky reflections that accentuate their luster. Their morphology, consisting of fine, tightly packed needles, gives the samples a delicate and aesthetic appearance, often contrasting with the dark basalts in which they are found. This aragonite is linked to hydrothermal circulation and secondary precipitation phenomena in the vacuoles of volcanic rocks. Although rarely consisting of large isolated crystals, it is appealing for its radiating textures and subtle luminosity, characteristic of the volcanic deposits of Auvergne.