Calcite with Hematite

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Attractive red scalenohedral crystals of calcite to 2.2 cm in length on matrix. In good condition. The Tonglushan Mine in Daye County, Hubei Province, China is one of the oldest known copper mining areas in the country. Archaeological evidence shows that copper was mined and smelted at this site more than 3000 years ago during the Bronze Age. Ancient workings included open pits and underground shafts used to extract copper ore from sedimentary rock deposits. The locality is now recognized as an important archaeological and historic mining site that illustrates early Chinese metallurgy and mining technology.