Dendritic Crystal

Dendrite is a crystal that develops with a multi-branching tree-like form. Its name comes from the Greek word Dendron, meaning ’tree’. The growth of dendritic crystals resembles the process of frost patterns growing on a window. They are often mistaken for fossils. Dendrite forms when water rich in manganese and iron flows between microscopic layers of limestone.

This Dendrite is a natural Iron and Manganese formation on Jurassin Limestone approximately 135 million years old. Discovered in Germany.

NASA microgravity dendritic experiment: Researchers on Space Shuttle and Space Lab missions investigated dendritic growth. New science of solidifying metal and alloys into special formations was discovered.