Calcite (fine twinned crystals with iron oxide inclusions) (ex Dr. Stephen Smale Collection)

Item Description

The classic Leiping Mine twinned Calcites are among the most significant and iconic examples of the species from any Chinese locality. This small cabinet features a predominant, razor-sharp, rather lustrous, gemmy / translucent, colorless twinned scalenohedral group of Calcite with attractive reddish-brown iron oxide inclusions sitting atop tiny "needle"-like prismatic Calcite crystals on minor oxidized matrix. The base of the twin is actually not broken, but recrystallized ("re-healed"), as it was contacted at some point during its growth and then was able to finish crystallizing. No damage that I can find with the naked eye. Great quality all around and very showy. Priced in the inventory at $1,250 Ex Dr. Stephen Smale Collection. Along with amassing one of the finest private mineral collections in the world, Steve is a renowned mathematician. His accomplishments include being awarded the Fields Medal in 1966 along with being the awarded the Wolf Prize in mathematics in 2007. You can read Steve's bio on the Mineralogical Record website ( https://mineralogicalrecord.com/labels.asp?colid=671&page=1 ) or on Wikipedia.