Calcite

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A superb, water clear duo of super bright Calcite crystals from China from old finds of the late 1990s that really first alerted the world to the upcoming mineral potential in China. These sharply formed, totally transparent Calcite crystals have exceptional luster and can compete with Calcites from anywhere. One measures 5.7 cm in length and the other 3.7 cm and they are in parallel growth with the best pointed terminations. There is no significant rubbing or chatter of any kind on the edges, just a few extremely trivial tiny spots. Both crystals display criss-crossing internal fractures like the best English Calcites and the play of light in the interior is captivating. There is a bit of included Hematite at the base of the larger crystal for contrast. This is an exceptional example from this famous find of circa-2000. When these came out, they were variously attributed to three different provinces in China (Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Jiangxi I have all seen on labels) to hide the origin, which looking back in hindsight we believe to be the same mine as produced the famous clear V twins a few years before - a small operation at the time in Chenzhou District (see also Scovil, J.A. 2005, Rocks & Minerals: A mineral excursion to China: 2004."). It could have also come from the nearby Leiping Mine - I think it is difficult to say, 20 years later. However, these locations are very close to one another and I am confident it is the same deposit, in any case. This is an old survivor we had hidden away here for 20 years and only recently cleaned and bring to market. It is simply STUNNING on a shelf.