Calcite With Hematite

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An exceptional, unique calcite from the Prospect Park Quarry - the specimen consists of pearly Calcite Scalenohedrons, the largest of which is 2 cm. The surface is dotted with micro Hematites, but what makes this truly exceptional is the selective orientation of the Hematites. Like the famous Brazilian 'skunks', the Hematites go tip to tip straight up the center of the scalenohedral faces. An amazing, aesthetic pattern! I am told this oriented deposition effect actually has a scientific basis in the understanding of the different molecular bonding strengths on edges versus flat center planes of crystals, as they stick out into a solution containing minerals that is flowing by.