Calcite

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This is a literal "jewel" - the nickname the miners gave to these floating, doubly-terminated, gem transparent calcites when they found them in the 1980s. This is a superb example of an otherwise common material; a pristine specimen with such nice balance, quality, and matrix. It shows excellent luster, gemminess, and sharp twinning about the middle. It’s a classic example of this American mineral find, which is still remembered long after the mine has been closed. While Elmwood and neighboring Cumberland Mines produced thousands of calcites, it is true, few had the refined precision and quality of this "jewel" on matrix. Today, such items are few and far between in any size but tend to be larger. It is actually harder to find a specimen of this style in the 3 inch and less size range than the 4-6 inch crystals so commonly produced (but not as gemmy).