Septarian Nodule Slice

Stunning septarian nodule slice measuring approx. 6.25" x 5.25" x 0.375" Utah Septarians are found in Southern Utah, about 15 miles from Zion National Park. Septarians were formed sometime during the Cretaceous Period, also known as the age of dinosaurs, between 144 to 65 million years ago. During this period of time what is now known as the Gulf of Mexico extended into present day Utah, forming a vast interior sea. On this ancient seabed decomposing sea life, killed by volcanic eruptions, had a chemical attraction for the sediment around them and became trapped. Along with tide and wave actions, mud balls of sediment were formed on the sea floor. The waters receded leaving the mud balls to dry out and crack. Because of the bentonite content, the mud balls also shrank trapping the cracks inside. The ocean returned for a period depositing more sediment and sea life on top. As the sea life decomposed, the calcite from the shells seeped into the cracks forming calcite crystals. A thin wal