Calcite (ex Brian Kosnar Collection)

Item Description

The Fanwood Quarry (sometimes called the Weldon Quarry) is a large quarry in the First Watchung Mountain, which has been owned and operated by the Weldon family since the 1890's. A few years ago, the Fanwood Quarry produced some of the most magnificent Prehnite after Glauberite "casts" in the world, along with some associated Calcite specimens. These two minerals were primarily the only species found at Fanwood over the last 5-10 years. This piece features no Prehnite, but it does host several sharp, gemmy, rich golden color rhombohedra of Calcite with a notable "cast" on the front of the piece. The back of the specimen is nearly completely crystallized, and features some sharp gemmy, thin scalenohedral Calcite, so you have two distinct habits on the same piece from this classic but lesser known locality. The largest Calcite measures 4.2 cm across, which is good sized for this quarry.