2012
SX8958 : Crystal Cove .... a cliff of calcite crystals
taken 12 years ago, near to Goodrington, Torbay, England
Crystal Cove .... a cliff of calcite crystals
This geographical feature is on the boundary between the red sandstone cliffs to the north and the beginning of the limestone to the south. It is noted as a "major fluid pathway" which means that it was once molten rock and in cooling crystalised to give large rhombohedra calcite crystals which in sunlight glisten like a cliff of jewels. Rhombohedra means the crystal is like a cube, but pushed over so that the sides are rhombus shaped and not square. The crystals are a dirty white and some are semi-transparent. Due to weathering of the cliffs, many are scattered along the foot of the cliff and become degraded and rounded by the action of the sea.
The exposed calcite crystal section of the cliff is about 25 metres long.
The walker is shown to indicate the scale of the cliff.
SX8958 : Crystal Cove .... a cliff including a section of calcite crystals
SX8958 : Crystal Cove .... with a cliff of calcite crystals
Image classification
(about):
Geograph
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