Manganoan Calcite

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Classic Russian specimens of cotton candy pink calcite are now a classic of finds from the late 1990s and early 2000s. Interestingly, today's new collectors might see this and think it was from China; indeed, it looks comparable in color and shape to modern Chinese material from Inner Mongolia! There are some subtle differences in texture and luster to the experienced eye - this being more lustrous (waxy/shiny) than any Chinese piece of comparable look. The piece has stunning neon orange-red glow in UV light (as do the Chinese pieces) due to trace amounts of manganese. This is a particularly beautiful cluster with scalloped faces characteristic of Dalnegorsk calcites sometimes. It is complete all around. It was purchased from Russian dealers Axinite in 2014 by our friend Tim Sherburn as part of his calcite collection.