GEOdyssey
Red Horn Coral from Utah
(updated 12/5/08)
Fossil horn corals (Caninia torquia, Pennsylvanian age), in which the calcite that normally makes up the coral framework is replaced by red agate (quartz/carnelian), from Summit County, Utah. These were mined commercially for a while, but the location has been closed for a while now (it's part of a National Monument). We have a couple of flats of these, many polished on the ends to highlight the red agate, priced from $4 to $15 depending on size and quality, or if polished. These can sell for as much as $35/pound when bought in bulk, and usually require a lot of cleaning. They can be cut into cabachons and make very attractive jewelry pieces.
__
__ This specimen has been polished on the end to highlight the red agate and coral structure (#G08-891, $15). Beautiful deep red color.
__ Another specimen, also polished on the end, with lots of red agate on the outside. (#G08-893, $15)