Tufa
“Limestone built by springs and streams”
Tufa is a porous, spongy form of limestone that precipitates from calcium-rich water at ambient temperatures, often around springs, waterfalls, and lake shores. Unlike travertine which forms from hot springs, tufa deposits grow in cooler water and frequently encrust plants, creating delicate natural sculptures.
calcite, aragonite, organic matter, clay (minor)
Mono Lake (California, USA), Plitvice Lakes (Croatia), Pamukkale (Turkey), Tivoli (Italy)
3-4
The dramatic tufa towers rising from Mono Lake formed underwater where calcium-rich spring water met the alkaline lake — they were exposed when the lake level dropped due to water diversion.
Test Your Knowledge
How does tufa differ from travertine despite both being freshwater limestone deposits?
Related Specimens
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