Calcite from Iowa, USA

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A superb grouping of glassy gem quality colorless scalenohedral calcite crystals without matrix. The crystals exhibit marcasite crystal lined phantom crystals within. This is in great condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark.The Linwood Mine, located near Buffalo in Scott County, Iowa, originated as an open-pit limestone quarry around 1897 before transitioning into a massive underground room-and-pillar operation. Geologically, the site sits within Middle Devonian sedimentary strata rich in high-purity calcium carbonate, which Linwood Mining and Minerals Corporation extracts to produce commercial lime, chemical-grade stone, and aggregate. Beyond its industrial importance, the mine is renowned among mineral collectors for producing world-class specimens of golden scalenohedral calcite, tabular barite, and metallic marcasite crystals, which are prized for their exceptional luster and aesthetic formations.