Calcite 'Butterfly twin'

Unknown Owner

This nice old-time classic twinned Calcite from Bigrigg in West Cumbria comes from the Brian Lloyd collection. There are no old labels, but this is a very typical example of the wonderful twinned Calcite crystals found when the mines were active during the late 19th and early 20th century. The twin is what is referred to as a 'Butterfly twin' as the Calcite crystals form thin blades, like the wings of a butterfly. It is not symmetrical and is not completely transparent, but is in excellent condition for its undoubted age, and at 5.3 cm wide it is a good size too. Faint reddish colouration around its edges is traces of Hematite from the iron ore in which these crystals were found.