Lithophyse

Lithophyses of the Esterel massif(Var, 83) were formed 250 million years ago from lava flows where Silica infiltrated into gas-filled cavities(vacuoles). They are generally in the form of geodes whose gangue is composed of volcanic rock(rhyolite).

Once sawn and polished, we discover various shapes and interesting colors due to the presence ofoxides. The interior of the Lithophyse is mainly composed of layers of Chalcedony and other minerals such as Quartz, Calcite, Fluorite and more rarelyAmethyst. Lithophyses are also prospected in the USA, Russia and Mexico.

• Hardness MOHS scale: 6-7
• Chemical formula: SiO2