Calcite on Stibnite

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This is one of the most amazing calcite and stibnite combination pieces that came out of China over a decade ago from a bulk ore mine for antimony, and these have not been encountered during antimony mining operations since. This is a large, complete, amber-colored, lightly striated, scalenohedral crystal of calcite sitting on a smaller companion crystal both penetrated by sprays of metallic gray stibnite. All of this placed adroitly on a fragment of matrix. The large, transparent calcite measures nearly 10 cm in length and its companion, which is actually two crystals in parallel growth, measures 5.5 cm. Sprays of stibnite are not only present penetrating the calcite crystals but are also observed as small, distinct sprays at the base as well as larger divergent clusters on the back of the piece that protrude into the calcite. When these came to market they were quickly were snapped up and disappeared. They are now only available coming out of old collections! These are not just "calcites," but rather have elevated to the level of modern classics, unique in mineral collecting and immediately recognizable. This well composed 360-degree piece comes complete with a custom acrylic base. Ex. Dr. Steve Smale collection.