ZEBRA ROCK - Western Australia
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ZEBRA ROCK
One of the world's most unusual stones
Kununurra, Kimberley Region,
Western Australia
650 million years old
Zebra rock is known for its remarkable colour banding, which was formed by the rhythmic precipitation of hematite (iron oxide) as water percolated through the rock over millions of years.
The iron diffused through the porous rock in pulses or waves creating distinct bands that scientists call ‘Liesegang rings’ but it is still not clear exactly how they are formed. The rock is very compact and fine-grained - resembling unglazed porcelain – and known by geologists as a siliceous argillite. Zebra rock is sometimes used for jewellery or carved into decorative items.
This piece does not have the distinctive stripes of other specimens, but it is still a nice example.
Click on a picture for a larger image
Size: 7 x 6 x 3.5 centimetres
Weight: 206 grams
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