Calcite

$3,000.00

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The ArkenstoneFeatured

3,403 for sale·Member since 2026

A superb, water clear duo of bright Calcite crystals from China. These sharply formed, totally transparent Calcite crystals have super luster and can compete with Calcites from anywhere. One measures 5.7 cm in length and the other 4.1 cm and they are in parallel growth with the best pointed terminations. There is no significant rubbing or chatter of any kind on the edges, just a few extremely trivial tiny spots which could be erased with acid in any case. Both crystals display criss-crossing internal fractures like the best English Calcites and the play of light in the interior is captivating. There is a bit of included manganite at the base of the larger crystal for character and contrast. Exceptional example from this famous find of circa-2000. When they came out, they were variously attributed to three different provinces in China (Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Jiangxi I have all seen on labels), to hide the origin, which looking back in hindsight I believe to be the same mine as produced the famous clear V twins a few years before - a small operation in Chenzhou District (see also Scovil, J.A. 2005, Rocks & Minerals: A mineral excursion to China: 2004."). It could have also come from the nearby Leiping Mine - I think it is difficult to say, 20 years later. However, these locations are very close to one another and I am confident it is the same deposit, in fact.