Opalized Wood - Virgin Valley, NV shell each of which was coated

each of which was coated in a layer of colorful and sparkling marcasite crystals

It was discovered in 1902 by gemologist George Frederick Kunz (this is where Kunzite got its name)

Among the Zunis

Herkimer County

aqua marina meaning "water of the sea" in Latin

Opalized Wood - Virgin Valley, NV shell each of which was coatedOpalized Wood is a type of petrified wood that is composed of opal rather than chalcedony or other minerals. It almost always consists of common opal, but in rare instances, petrified wood composed of colorful, precious opal is formed. The ancient forests of Virgin Valley, Nevada were covered by volcanic ashfall over 14 million years ago. Over time, dissolved silica moved by abundant groundwater, filled the cavities of woody stumps, limbs & branches