Giant Agatized coral.

[Waitiseearock]

I found this specimen a few months ago walking along a beach. After researching I found out that it’s Agatized coral. I have seen many specimen of Agatized coral, but nothing has big and sparkly as this piece. Does anyone know if this is a specific type of Agaitized coral Or is this just a much older and a further crystallized version of the ones I’m seeing online? And anyone know what something like this could be worth? 

[Fossildude19]

We do not provide/discuss monetary valuations on the Forum. It is beyond what can be done via photos. So we don't discuss that here.

 

Knowing where this was found Country/state or region/ county or department would be a first step in identifying if it is indeed agatized coral.

[Waitiseearock]

Thanks for your reply Tim. No worries, just thought I’d ask. Any suggestions as to the right kind of specialist to bring this to for that type information ? So I found this in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. I’m aware that Florida's state stone is Agatized Coral and have seen many specimens on display at local nature preserves with  but none as crystallized or as large as this piece.  

[Ludwigia]

6 hours ago, Waitiseearock said:

Any suggestions as to the right kind of specialist to bring this to for that type information ?

 

@Sacha 

[Sacha]

If this is in fact agatized coral, it's a remarkable size for the Tampa Bay Area and not the typical type of coral. In the Withlacoochee River this would be very typical size and not unusual to have druzy quartz coating like yours. I can't see any obvious coral structure on the outer rind of the piece. Can you show a picture of an area that looks like coral that would convince you it is coral instead of a large chert nodule (which are very common in the Honeymoon Island area)?

[Kohler Palaeontology]

@Waitiseearock That is an awesome find! Great job!

[doushantuo]

For the record, and for the record only : for "druzy ",  read " drusy ".

[Fossildude19]

@Waitiseearock

You would have to look at online Auction web sites, or go to a rock/mineral shop, ... to compare your item to others for value.

Let's just say, I wouldn't go out an buy a Ferrari, any time soon.

[Fossildude19]

31 minutes ago, doushantuo said:

For the record, and for the record only : for "druzy ",  read " drusy ".

 

Unfortunately, the internet is full of the misspelling with the "z" .

[Waitiseearock]

2 hours ago, Sacha said:

Can you show a picture of an area that looks like coral that would convince you it is coral instead of a large chert nodule (which are very common in the Honeymoon Island area)?

You hit the nail on the head as to where I found this piece. Honeymoon island experienced about 6ft of erosion after hurricane Helene exposing enormous amounts of deposits. The park ranger I talked with made it seem like this was a piece of coral due to the amount of nodules coming out from the middle and because of the different layers. But I have looked around and the outer rim does look like chert. Is it common for chert to have the layers like this one does leading up to where the druzy parts start? I’m fairly new to this type of specimen. 

[Waitiseearock]

@Fossildude19 

 

I'm more of a boat kinda gal, not a Ferrari. Lol 

[Fossildude19]

16 minutes ago, Waitiseearock said:

@Fossildude19 

 

I'm more of a boat kinda gal, not a Ferrari. Lol 

 

 

Then think more in terms of a canoe anchor, rather than an entire yacht. 

[Sacha]

48 minutes ago, Waitiseearock said:

Is it common for chert to have the layers like this one does leading up to where the druzy parts start? I’m fairly new to this type of specimen. 

That's very common for chert. If you searched the forum for references to chert, you would find that it mimics the shape and structure of the strangest things. It's a great specimen, so display it proudly and keep looking for that coral. Focus on medium and smaller linear pieces since Tampa Bay coral is usually from finger corals. 

[Waitiseearock]

@Sacha Thank you so much for your input! I greatly appreciate it. This piece will always be a showstopper in my collection . I’ll keep in mind the other characteristics to look for while on the hunt! 

[Waitiseearock]

@Sacha So just to be clear this would be considered Agatized Chert, And not Coral? Correct? 

[Sacha]

Just chert. Not agatized chert.