Calcite from Sweetwater Mine, Missouri, USA

A sculptural crystal specimen of Dragon Scale Calcite, a nickname inspired by its naturally tiered, overlapping growth pattern. This distinctive piece comes from a dramatic late-2019 discovery at the Sweetwater Mine in Missouri, USA, a deposit that quickly became known for producing unusually dark, layered Calcite crystal groups.

The specimen carries a bold bowtie-like symmetry, built from intergrown calcite blades that fan outward in opposing directions, creating a balanced and energetic form. The crystal surfaces show a bright, well-polished luster, while internal zones reveal soft phantom layers, adding depth to the structure and marking multiple growth stages within the pocket.

Unlike most industrial recoveries, which often show heavy stress marks from extraction, this piece remains highly intact for its style, preserving its dramatic shape and crystal clarity. Inside the formation, flashes of metallic gold-brass color appear from Chalcopyrite inclusions, scattered within the crystal body and visible as shimmering internal accents rather than surface coatings. The chalcopyrite combines beautifully with the recessed crystal terminations, giving the piece a striking mixed-mineral aesthetic.

A visually bold example of modern-era layered calcite, combining form, shine, and internal character into a single expressive crystal group.