What is Dendritic Opal?
Dendritic opal is a type of common opal that’s visually striking, thanks to its dendritic (or tree-like) inclusions. These aren’t fossils, but rather metallic oxides, often manganese and iron.
The unique patterns form as silica-rich solutions deposit silica in sedimentary rocks, with manganese or iron compounds creating the branching shapes we see. This type of opal is prized for its beauty, potential metaphysical properties, and collectibility.
This article will dive into the formation of dendritic opal, its unique properties, the variations you might find, its history, the meanings people associate with it, its uses, and where you can find it.