Calcite - image 1
Calcite - image 2
specimen video

Calcite

Unknown Owner
Choice glassy gem sharply formed scalenohedral crystals of calcite measuring to 6.5 cm in size perched up on a limestone breccia matrix. This is in very good condition. Collected in the late 1970s. The crystals exhibit twinning. Minor sphalerite is present as well.The Elmwood Mine in Smith County, Tennessee is part of the Central Tennessee zinc district. Mining developed in the 1970's to extract zinc ore from large replacement deposits hosted in limestone. Underground operations produced sphalerite and other zinc minerals for many years. The mine is also well known among mineral collectors for fine specimens of fluorite, calcite, sphalerite, and other minerals found in large crystal lined cavities.

Product details

Species
CalciteAbout Calcite →
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions8.0 x 6.0 x 3.5 cm
Added on03/19/2026
Locality
USA, Tennessee, Elmwood MineRegional guide →

Known provenance

DateCollectorAcquisition price
04/2026Unknown Owner$1,500.00
—Weinrich MineralsNot disclosed

Learn more

Calcite
Mineral guide
Learn about Calcite
diverse shapes, colors, and optical quirks; widely available yet scarce elite pieces from Elmwood and Charcas drive collecting value and display.
Calcite
Regional guide
Calcite from Elmwood Mine, USA
Elmwood Mine calcite is one of the great modern classics of American mineral collecting: honey, champagne, amber and cognac scalenohedra, often doubly terminated and twinned into sculptural “diamond” forms, set against black-brown sphalerite, purple fluorite, ivory barite, or gray carbonate matrix. The best crystals have a warm internal glow rather than merely surface color, with transparent terminations, bright vitreous luster, and enough size to dominate a cabinet. A fine Elmwood calcite does not look like generic calcite from a carbonate vein; it has a locality signature that experienced collectors recognize at a glance.