Dendritic Opal - Natural minerals and crystals

Dendritic Opal, also called Moss Opal because of its inclusions, is a mineral from the silicate family, subcategory of tectosilicates. It is characterized by its amorphous structure, that is to say without defined crystalline form, and by its chemical composition, mainly composed of hydrated silicon dioxide. Dendritic Opal is distinguished by its branching or arborescent patterns, called dendrites, generally black or dark brown in color, which are actually inclusions of manganese or iron minerals. These dendrites give Dendritic Opal its unique appearance, reminiscent of landscapes, plants or trees. It is usually translucent to opaque with a base color ranging from white to gray, green or brown. Its hardness on the Mohs scale ranges from 5.5 to 6.5. It is often used in jewelry to create unique jewelry.