Details
ColorsSilver
Origin
Wanlockhead, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland
SizeLarge
Dimensions12.2 x 8.7 x 8.0 cm
Species
Cal
Description
The Leadhills-Wanlockhead ore field in southern Scotland is a favourite amongst collectors of British minerals, but specimens from here are notoriously difficult to find as they very rarely appear for sale. Compared to other ore deposits, there were probably relatively few specimens produced and having been distributed in collections around the world, are now like hen's teeth to add to your own collection. Hence, this simply gorgeous sloping crystal, composed of multiple-terminated, stacked smaller crystals is a must, should you be trying to assemble such a suite. The specimen is from the western end of the ore deposit around Wanlockhead and is most probably from the New Glencrieff mine. This is because of its habit, colour and size, but other mines in this area are also possible sources. The Calcite is translucent, grading inwardly to a white opaque core and although colourless to white, does have a delicate pinkish tinge, an indication of manganese-bearing Calcite. So characteristic of Calcite from Wanlockhead, the tiers of enveloping composite Calcite crystals all have nail-head terminations and drape the overall crystal structure in cascades of glistening terminated faces. The major termination at the top of the crystal is 3.5 x 1 cm in section with a perfectly flat 2 x 0.5 cm pinacoid. Embedded by the base at one side are some cleaved fragments of metallic silver Galena and black Sphalerite, showing odd glints of yellowish-clove-brown. Under LWUV the Calcite fluoresces a mild yet vivid tangerine-orange with patchy tangerine-cream zones. A delightful and characteristic Calcite from Wanlockhead in southern Scotland accompanied with four earlier labels.
Known provenanceKnowing where your specimen comes from and who owned it adds to its story and value. Good provenance helps prove it's authentic and preserves important details about its discovery.
