Anthodite

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Anthodites close up in Skyline Caverns, VA.
Anthodites close up in Skyline Caverns, VA.

Anthodites are extremely rare cave formations that form in limestone. The name is derived from the Greek word which means "flower like". In appearance, they are white and grow in flower-like clusters of narrow white aragonite crystals. Composed of calcium-carbonate, anthodites grow approximately one inch every 7000 years.

The largest deposit of anthodites in the world is found in the Skyline Caverns in Front Royal, Virginia. Because of the rarity of these formations, Virginia law imposes a federal penalty of a $5000 fine and two years in prison for every inch of an anthodite that is broken off.

The method by which anthodites form is currently debated. The main theory, however, is that they grow in a vacuum, and that they stop growing when the vacuum is broken.


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