Calcite (fluorescent) and Chalcopyrite

Item Description

Well-crystallized Calcite specimens are uncommon from this famous New York lead-zinc district. In typical Calcite fashion, the fact that Calcite as a species has more habits than any other mineral is apparent in this unusual, and yet usual, cluster. The Calcites are gemmy to translucent, and one of the rhombs has highly modifed, beveled edges which act as clear windows into the main display crystal. This crystal is 4.4 cm across, and there are larger ones in the back. Not suprisingly, considering this came out of a Rossie type vein (rich in Calcite, mined for lead), the Calcite is contacted along the back and bottom. Moderate red fluorescence. What is most attractive, and fascinating, is the preferential intergrowth of Chalcopyrite crystals on many, but not all, of the faces. To me, this is an always amazing mineralogical occurence. Rare and excellent Calcite for the locality, this was #7261 in Kay's collection.