A LARGE rock with a spectacular maze of calcite crystals formed in the Jurassic period is on display at Cotswold Water Park.

A one-metre diameter rock, known as a Septarian Nodule, and easily weighing half a ton, was cut in half by stonecutters at a quarry in nearby Tetbury.

The rock's crystals were formed through the action of organic matter on the Jurassic seabed, approximately 160 million years ago.

The stunning piece of local geological history has been put on public display for the first time after being bought at a charity auction by the owners of Lake Pochard, luxury Scandinavian lakeside lodges.

Jill Bewley, of the Cotswold Water Park Trust, said: “Nodules such as this are typically 30 to 40 cm in diameter, so to have had the opportunity to recover and examine one of this size is a rare treat.

"The Trust is very grateful to the owners of Lake Pochard for their support in bidding for the rock, and for putting it on display for people to come and see it.” Jim Ridgway, of Lake Pochard, said: “We are delighted to be able to display this unique piece of geology in the Waterside Café, Lake 15, Wickwater Lane.

"The septarian nodule was found in the Water Park and is available here for people to come and see.”