CALCITE

Artistic, elegant, and in a category of its own, this calcite displays the phenomenon of helictitic growth in a mesmerizing manner. The crystals branch out all over the place, with the highlight being a winding crystal that's grown in a coil like a snake, and is something I've never seen before! 

More info:

Calcite helictites from the Wenshan Mine form through capillary action and hydrostatic pressure within limestone cave systems. Crystallization occurs when calcium-rich solutions are forced through microscopic central canals under varying pressure conditions. The helictites develop through eccentric growth patterns, defying gravity to create twisted, contorted forms that extend in seemingly random directions. These specimens typically display translucent to white coloration and reach lengths of 2-15cm. The growth process occurs at near-surface temperatures and pressures, with crystallization influenced by air currents, solution chemistry variations, and microenvironmental conditions within the cave system. Individual helictites exhibit monocrystalline structure despite their erratic growth patterns. This formation represents a distinctive example of speleothem development where capillary forces override gravitational influence during crystal growth.