Kentucky Cave Onyx

Cave onyx is crystalized limestone also known as "calcite." It's soft enough for stone carving but it can be rather grainy and porous. Aragonite crystals are found in cave onyx, giving it a flashy crystal appearance. Aragonite crystals also give the pearlescent luster to mother of pearl.

Madison County, KY

Cave Onyx Slab cut from a Stalagmite that weighs about 80 lbs. Note the aragonite crystal "flash"