Calcite (included by Cinnabar) and Gypsum

Item Description

Delightful plate separated into three main groupings of well formed radiating Calcite scalenohedron crystals most with light reddish-brown to red Cinnabar phantoms. The Cinnabar inclusions vary in coverage and intensity but its presence is due to the extinct mercury (Cinnabar) deposits at the Terlingua Mining District in Texas. The Calcites, extending up to 1.1 cm from the base, show translucent and glassy luster crystals with sharp terminations that have sufficient separation to create a pleasing textural display. The piece is further accented by several white Gypsum crystals including a couple of curved "rams horn" style crystals, up to 1.3 cm, as seen at the top. There is some periphery edge wear and minor bruising noted but the main Calcite groupings are complete. An old Calcite purchased in 1976 by A.L. Kidwell that has great coverage, interesting texture, and unusual Cinnabar phantoms. It is getting harder to find these Terlingua Calcites on the market. Ex. A.L. Kidwell Collection - almost certainly self collected by him in the 1950s-1960s.