Calcite (large "phantom" crystal) (899 grams) (ex David Burgess Collection)

Item Description

A very impressive, large scalenohedral Calcite from the famous Denton Mine in southern Illinois. Typically the Calcite crystals from this area are not this large, but this one defied the odds and grew to many inches in length. It's contacted / cleaved on the base, so it actually was larger than its current state. Additionally, when the crystal is backlit, it shows a wonderful rich golden hue and a you can see the outline of an internal "phantom" as well. The termination features three very smooth and lustrous faces, but unfortunately there are a few dings there as well. Overall the crystal is still in good shape as the majority of the prism is undamaged and shows a gentle matte luster. If you collect Calcites or southern Illinois minerals, this one is worth picking up for the sheer size and noteworthy "phantom" growth. Specimen weight is 899 grams. From the worldwide collection of David Burgess (1951-2016). David was a prolific species collector from Newington, Connecticut, and the namesake for the extremely rare cobalt arsenate species Burgessite, which he discovered.