Cuprian Calcite With Duftite

Unknown Owner

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The best of this style came from only one pocket, and are highly sought after by Tsumeb and calcite collectors. This is an outstanding large cabinet specimen of rare Cuprian Calcite (a recognized varietal, if not a true species per se). The Cuprian Calcite has a pale green tint like daiquiri ice cream, and it forms either a sugary coating or beautiful curving clusters of rhombs that overall reach 4 cm across - this piece features both, one atop the other! Distinctive aesthetics, just in habit alone, characterized this one special pocket from the late 1980s, as you can see from the combination of crystal habit and coloration. All the rhombs have a super-sparkly drusy coating. Another interesting aspect of this specimen is the subtle change in the chemistry of the Cuprian Calcite, as demonstrated by the color variation in the fluorescent photo. Characteristics like that are forever fascinating. A very aesthetic, and uncommon, specimen.