- Anthodite
Anthodites (Greek, "flower cluster") are a rare variety of
speleothem (cave formation) that forms inlimestone caves.Description and chemistry
Anthodites are white and grow in flower-like clusters of narrow white
aragonite crystals. Composed of calcium-carbonate, anthodites grow approximately one inch every 7,000 years. The mechanism by which anthodites form is debated. One theory, however, is that they grow in avacuum and that they stop growing when the vacuum is broken.The largest deposit of anthodites in the world was found in the
Skyline Caverns inFront Royal, Virginia . Because of the rarity of these formations, Virginia law imposes a penalty of a $5,000 fine and two years in prison for every inch of an anthodite that is broken off.
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