Manganese Oxide Dendrite Slab - Utah lasting from the Pliocene Epoch

lasting from the Pliocene Epoch to the Holocene

Father Sky

Location: Permafrost

Recently discovered in the 1990s

One of the world's most famous pieces of spinel jewelry includes the Black Prince's Ruby

Manganese Oxide Dendrite Slab - Utah lasting from the Pliocene EpochHere is one of the most confusing minerals you may have ever seen. At first glance, someone would reasonably assume this is a fossil specimen showcasing some form of plant material, but they would be incorrect and they have fallen victim to a pseudofossil! This is a specimen plate of manganese oxide dendrites. They get their name from the Greek word "dendron", meaning tree. These dendrites are branches of manganese crystals that have grown out and