Calcite ex Ross Lillie Coll.

Item Description

RARE and impressive calcite from the Bethel Level of the famous Minerva No. 1 Mine. Two-generations of lustrous, translucent, stepped-growth nailhead spar calcite crystals comprise this striking, sculptural 360-degree tapered column highlighted by the largest prisms at the crest. The body is rich golden-amber calcite with a dramatic sharp angled delineation with the lighter colored larger prisms at the crown. Complete all-around and nearly pristine, with only a couple of bruised crystals noted on the back. The piece GLOWS, when backlit! Calcite of this quality from the Bethel Level was rare, according to mine geologist Ross Lillie and this is an exceptional example. Ex Ross Lillie Collection # 0482 and collected during pillar robbing in 1995.