Tufa
Image: © 1971markus (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameTufa
Chemical FormulaCaCO3
Mohs Hardness3
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lusterdull
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect rhombohedral (not typically visible in rock)
Fractureearthy
Specific Gravity2.2
Colorswhite, cream, yellowish-brown, grey
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityEistobel, Westallgäu, Germany
Mineral GroupCarbonates (sedimentary rock)
Usesbuilding material, soil amendment, decorative stone
Associated Mineralscalcite, aragonite, moss, algae
Raritycommon
Description
A porous, light-colored rock formation, appearing lumpy and irregular, with water flowing over its surface, surrounded by green vegetation.
Geological Context
Tufa is a type of limestone formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate from ambient temperature supersaturated waters, often found in streams, waterfalls, and springs in limestone-rich regions.
