Description

This is a truly striking calcite specimen – a cluster of sharp rhombohedral crystals. The crystals are lustrous – perhaps best   seen in the second photo. The beautiful surface textures visible in other photos are minute in scale, and the photos make them look more prominent than they are. The crystal interiors contain hazy phantom areas which are visible as darker regions within each crystal. This calcite is fluorescent under ultraviolet light, as seen in the fifth photo (taken combining long and medium wave UV). In excellent condition, a few incomplete crystals around the periphery at the base where this was removed.

I note that John’s label for this specimen is illustrative of a challenge faced by all collectors – it can be very hard to obtain accurate locality information from sellers, particularly when a find is new. It can take some time to revise and refine the localities within one’s collection, as with this calcite from the Wenshan Mine.

This is a beautiful stand-out display piece.