Calcite (interesting crystallization)

Item Description

There are many styles and habits of Calcite from the Kalahari Manganese Field in South Africa, but this piece is certainly interesting and unique, as I can't remember seeing one quite like it. This cabinet sized specimen is composed of many narrow scalenohedral crystals of a gentle beige hue measuring up to about 6.7 cm long, with no matrix or other associated minerals that I can find. The piece has an almost "jackstraw"-esque form, but there is a bit more space in between the crystals, so it has a somewhat "lattice" style form as well. Many of the crystals show slight "stepped" faces in spots, which are a contrast against the broad smooth faces seen along the prisms of certain crystals. This piece is largely crystallized on all sides, though there are some areas of contact/attachment where it was separated from the pocket wall. A really cool and certainly unusual style for Calcite, not just from the Wessels Mine, but in general. A great specimen to add to any Calcite suite or a collection of South African minerals. Valued $1,800.