Banded Calcite

Banded Calcite Commonly called banded onyx, this rock is correctly identified as banded calcite. Banded calcite forms when calcium carbonate precipitates from a solution of dissolved calcium carbonate and ground water.

The calcium carbonate is deposited within a large opening or fissure in the mother rock and parallel bands are created as additional calcium carbonate precipitates. Changes in the color banding are probably caused by slight changes in the chemical composition of ground water during precipitation.

The stones above were found near Mt Nebo, Utah.

The far-right stones --called Butter Marble -- are from northern Mexico.

Rough rock

Natural Stone Art

of the American West