$450Median
2883Sold (12 mo)
$2,000Last sale
Updated 5d ago
Calcite (Manganoan)
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A dazzling, charming, well-rounded, sculptural small cabinet specimen of calcite, included by manganese as a trace element that gives it the pinkish color and strong fluorescence. This is a lucky repeat of an old classic find, which recently has again produced these beautiful lilac-colored calcites and some gem calcites. This specimen pulls you in immediately; the color is an unusual, soft lilac hue combined with glassy luster. The modified rhombohedral calcite displays nicely, with side-step growth striations on the crystal faces—superb. This piece also exhibits a twin plane that runs straight through the specimen. Most specimens from this find have a more muted, frosted luster and more disc-like shape to them; this one, on the other hand, has an absolute GLASS luster and GEM clarity that comes alive even in minimal light, showing just how animated the piece really is. It also has an unusual shape, more pseudocubic at first look, even though it consists of flattened rhombohedra pushed together in some complex way. It is not the same as others from the 2023-2025 finds here, in form. We have not seen another quite like it, in fact (and Rob is in this mining town several times each year, on the ground!). When you move the calcite from different sides, you start to see the lilac color intensify to a royal purple, almost like how pleochroic colors change; the lilac purple seems to dance within the internal cleavage planes and intensify at certain angles and views, quite interesting. Again, the pink-lavender color is due to minute manganese inclusions, which also gives it a stunning deep orange-red fluorescence.
Product details
SpeciesCalcite
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions8.1 x 6.5 x 6.4 cm
Added on10/02/2026
LocalityChina, Hubei, Tonglushan Mine
Current owner
Unknown Owner
- Acquired
- Oct 2026
Previous owners
| Date | Collector | Acquisition price |
|---|---|---|
| — | The Arkenstone | Not disclosed |
Learn more
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.Regional guide
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