Manganoan Calcite

Unknown Owner

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This matrix calcite is rare, very old, and extremely aesthetic. The intense pink color, luster and translucence make this a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. I had never seen one for sale before, only reading of them in old books. In fact, the calcite crystals exhibit a darker orange-pink color at the base and grade into the rich pink color toward the termination. The largest cluster, which measures almost 3.5 cm in length, majestically rises from the matrix. There is minor peripheral damage but, obviously, is of no significance in context of this magnificent and historic piece, which still displays quite nicely. There is a photo of a similar old pink calcite in the July-August, 2005 of Lapis magazine. In my estimation, the latter piece doesn't hold a candle to our specimen.