Geological Formations

Karst Topography

Karst topography refers to a distinctive landscape that forms in areas where water dissolves soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. Over time, this chemical weathering results in the formation of unique features such as sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage systems. The dissolution of the rock creates irregular surfaces and porous formations, creating distinctive shapes and patterns on the surface of the earth. The topography of karst regions can vary widely depending on the type of rock, the climate, and the amount of water present, but they all share a common characteristic of being heavily influenced by the processes of dissolution and erosion.
Image credit: U.S. National Parks Services
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Marl Soil

Marl Soil

Marl soil is common in low-lying areas of the Everglades and is most common in Monroe and Miami-Dade Counties. It is

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Coquina

Coquina (“co-keen-ah”) is a sedimentary rock consisting of loosely consolidated fragments of both shells and coral. The cemented fragments are generally

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Agatized Coral

— Agatized Coral —

Agatized Coral (Cnidaria anthozoa) is Florida’s state stone. The Florida legislature designated it the state stone in 1979.
 
Coral is the limy outside skeleton of tiny ocean animals called polyps. Agatized Coral, AKA Fossilized Coral, is formed when agate, a form of chalcedony, replaces the minerals in coral. This process takes 20-30 million years and is known as pseudomorphing.
 
These fossils are from the Oligocene-Miocene period. Agatized Coral is between 38-25 million years old. These fossils are found in various colors, from white, pink, gray, brown, black, yellow, and red. Trace minerals in the agate create these colors. They are found in ancient ocean beds, where silica-rich groundwater has percolated through the limestone around them. This may give the fossil a banded-stone look.
Agatized Coral is often found in the Tampa Bay area, the Withlacoochee/Suwannee River, and the Econfina River. Most Agatized Coral found in Florida lived in the vast Eocene seas, which covered the state when Florida was part of the continental shelf.
 
Agatized Coral was used by the first inhabitants of Florida to make spearheads, containers, tools, and knives. Remains have been found in archaeological sites dating back to 5000 B.C. The Agatized Coral is highly prized by collectors today.

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