Calcite - image 1

Calcite

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These calcite twins from China to me represent one of the most important calcite finds of the past 15 years, and certainly one of the most significant Chinese finds overall. This gem provides a perfect example of why: exquisite symmetry, gemminess, and striking appearance as it sits on a bed of hematite-colored quartz crystals. This fine twin measures 1.8 cm across.

Product details

SpeciesCalcite
SizeMiniature
Dimensions4.1 x 3.6 x 3.2 cm
Added on10/23/2024
LocalityChina, Hunan, Leiping Mine

Known provenance

DateCollectorAcquisition price
08/2024Unknown OwnerNot disclosed
—The ArkenstoneNot disclosed

Learn more

Calcite
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.
Calcite
Regional guide
Calcite from Leiping Mine, China
from Leiping Mine, in the Leiping area of Guiyang County, Chenzhou, Hunan, is one of the unmistakable modern Chinese calcite styles: lustrous, sharp, often translucent to gemmy crystals animated by warm iron-oxide and hematite color. The best specimens do not rely on size alone. They have architecture—wing-like twins, stacked rhombs, spiky scalenohedral sprays, and multi-generation crystals where clear late calcite wraps or caps an older, rust-red included core.