Aurichalcite In Calcite

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Few large specimens of any quality were recovered from this find, or rather trickle of small pockets over this past summer. Here is a rare, dramatic large specimen that is so colorful it looks fake. Emplaced on a vein portion of limonite matrix are intergrown crystals of glassy and translucent, rombohedral calcite, to 1.25 cm across. What really makes this special are the rich inclusions of aurichalcite investing into the calcite rhombs, resulting in the most beautiful teal color. Some aurichalcite remains free of the calcites, as bunches of tightly packed crystals amidst the rhombs. When closely examining the calcite, it is possible to see the fibrous aurichalcite crystals preserved inside, thus showing that this is intergrowth, as much or more so than simple inclusions. Some crystals of calcite may be more aurichalcite than calcite now! The color is, truly, mesmerizing! Because they are also lustrous, this is hard to photograph and I assure you the color and luster both are better in person because we had the camera compromise to try to get each in some degree.