Aragonite – Branany, CZ
Locality: Branany, Czech republic
Weight: 25g
Dimensions: 4,2 x 3,2 x 1,9 cm
| Category: | Branany |
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Aragonite – Branany, Czech Republic
Aragonite from Braňany is one of the best-known Czech aragonite localities. It occurs in the Central Bohemian Uplands near the town of Most, where it forms in basalt fissures and along the contact with bentonite layers. Typical specimens show fibrous and needle-like crystals with a metallic white to greyish sheen, often arranged in radiating fans, bundles or rosette-like aggregates.
Appearance and form
The crystals usually reach up to 1 cm in length, though exceptional finds include columnar aggregates up to 25 cm long. Rarely, pinkish or violet hues appear due to trace elements. Aragonite also forms white botryoidal nodules with internal cavities lined with tiny sparkling crystals.
Mineralogical environment
Associated minerals include barite, dolomite, quartz, opal and occasionally bauxite nodules, all formed through hydrothermal processes in the basalt bedrock.
Rarity and accessibility
The Braňany quarry is an active mining area and access is allowed only with permission. Therefore, aragonite specimens from this locality are highly valued and hard to obtain among collectors.