Calcite (doubly-terminated crystals)

Item Description

A very showy and three-dimensional display quality specimen of Calcite from the famous Jiepaiyu Mine at Shimen in Hunan, China. The piece hosts several sharp, well-formed, scalenohedral crystals measuring up to 6.8 cm long. Several of the crystals are actually doubly-terminated, or very close to being doubly-terminated. The dark color inside the Calcites is most likely due to arsenic content, though you can see some of the tips of the crystals are essentially colorless and actually gemmy. The reverse side of the specimen features some red and orange spots of Orpiment and Realgar for a nice contrast, though they are not really crystallized. A beautiful and eye-catching example of this now classic material. Valued at $950.