INSPIRED BY NATURE
Viewing stone appreciation is inspired by natural geological features, biological entities—people, animals, plants—and less so by artifacts—boats, huts, bridges. In this new section, we will be featuring unusual geological elements that can or have influenced the collection of an unusual rock to view for its aesthetic qualities. We want you to look to nature for guidance to the types of rocks to add to your collection.
The Bungle Bungle Range, Western Australia
The Bungle Bungle Range in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia is an amazing formation of orange-and-black banded sandstone domes. The orange bands result from the presence of iron and manganese, while the color of the black bands is caused by the presence of cyanobacteria. This range is between 270 and 250 Ma and was formed by wind, rain, and seasonal flooding.
This piece of sedimentary stone from the Gobi Desert in northern China reminds me of the Bungle Bungle Range and the enormous power of natural erosion over time.
