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The Rock Professor has provided you with a mineral
information card. Print on stock paper, and cut out to
enhance your rock and mineral products.
To print: with your cursor, highlight the entire card below,
right click and select print, then click on "selection"
and print.
| THE ROCK PROFESSOR |
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Mexican Onyx, unpolished
Mexican Onyx, polished
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MEXICAN ONYX (TRAVERTINE)
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MEXICAN ONYX is a name given to a fine-grained variety of calcite formed in caves and waterfalls, and is known as travertine. The material forms in a number of different colors, and is sometimes dyed, and is carved into animals, geometric shapes and other ornamental items. Since calcite is dissolved with hydrochloric(muriatic) acid, pieces are often given their final polish by immersing them in acid.
Travertine is found in many parts of the world including the US. Massive deposits in Pakistan are also being used for cutting and carving into many beautiful objects. Click her for more information on PAKISTANI ONYX.
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Chemistry: variety of calcite ♦ Luster: vitreous to dull ♦
Color: banded with multiple orange, yellow, red, tan, brown and white colors ♦
Fracture: subconchoidal ♦ Crystal system: orthorhombic ♦
Moh's hardness: 3.5-4 ♦ Localities: Baja California, Mexico.
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