Calcite (doubly-terminated) on Galena (ex Dave Bergman Collection)

Item Description

This locality is known for only few species (mostly sulfides), but the iconic Calcite specimens are a favorite among collectors. Here we have a gorgeous and eye-catching display piece from this famous mine featuring a classic, sharp, lustrous, gemmy, nearly colorless, doubly-terminated, scalenohedral Calcite measuring 3.2 cm long assocaited with a few smaller Calcites aesthetically perched atop sharp, highly lustrous, cuboctahedral Galena crystal matrix. The piece is crystallized on all sides, and is nearly a complete "floater" were it not for a few small points of attachment on the back. The main Calcite is in excellent condition, but one of the smaller crystals is broken on one end. What a showy and eye-catching display quality specimen of these iconic pieces from the Sweetwater Mine. These pieces are not nearly as common on the market as they were years ago, so don't miss out. This piece comes from the collection of Colorado mining legend, Dave Bergman. Dave is now retired from mining, but spent many years underground, including as the foreman and primary person in charge of recovering specimens at the famous Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado during the late 1970s. He is also the maternal grandfather of Brian Kosnar. See Dave's photo mining at the Sweet Home on page 58 of Peter Bancroft's book "Gem and Crystal Treasures".