Minerals
TopGeneral Information
Dendrite is easily mistaken for fossilized plants, it is however a form of iron or manganese oxide, which is usually very 'branched' or dendritic (hence the name). The surface on which the dendrites grow is usually formed by limestone. They actually grow into the cracks between different layers of limestone. These structures are 2-dimensionaal. A 3-dimensional dendritic structure can be found in moss agate (see photo 3). Dendritic structures are not only found with iron or manganese oxides, but water can also form dendritic structures like snowflake icecrystals.[1]
TopChemical & Physical Information
| Trivial Name | Dendrite |
| Chemical Name | Iron or Manganese Oxide |
| Chemical Formula | (Fe,M)O |
| Density | - |
| Molar mass | - |
| Hardness | - |
| Crytal system | Dendritic |
| Unit cell | ? |
| Crystal habit | ? |
| Fracture | ? |
| Cleavage | ? |
| Colour | Brown to Black |
| Luster | Dull |
| Streak | ? |
| Opacity | Opaque |
| Safety | Safe |
| Extra | Is formed in cracks. |
Photos
(3 cm)
(3 cm)
(5 mm)
Sources
[1] Wikipedia
[2] Specimen from my personal collection, photo taken by me.
