Calcite and Gypsum

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Naica is famous for interesting combination pieces and this choice miniature, complete all around, shows us why. It has a fine balance of two minerals, which are seldom associated here; and the contrast of shape and gemminess is very appealing. Lustrous white rhombs of calcite, to 2.5 cm in length are surmounted by a tabular, lustrous and translucent, nearly colorless crystal of gypsum (3 cm) for a study in contrast. I have seen hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Naica miniatures in my time, as they were abundant in the 1980s. This one stands out.