Calcite (multi-generational growth) (ex Cynthia Payne Collection)

Item Description

This is a highly aesthetic and three-dimensional display specimen of Calcite from Leiping. The specimen features a central scalenohedral crystal of Calcite with sharp, lustrous, faces along with excellent gemminess / translucency and soft reddish-grey hue that plays host to a pair of pseudo-cubic (rhombic) crystals of Calcite with a light golden color and thin reddish iron oxide inclusions. Both the scalenohedral crystal and the accompanying rhombs show some form of internal "phantom" zoning, whether it be from the iron oxide or the multiple layers of crystal growth. There are at least 3 generations of growth on this piece as the center of the scalenohedron is a notably different hue with a much more opaque internal quality. As you venture outwards, you can see the crystals become lighter in color and gemmier. It's not common to find two notably different habits of Calcite on the same specimen like this, but obviously there was a chance in the temperature and / or pressure of the pocket in which is it grew, so the habit changed dramatically. No matrix is present, but the piece still displays well as you can see from photos. It's very attractive in person, arguably better than the photos. It's a showy piece and one of the few I have seen like it. Worthwhile for any Calcite collector due to the gorgeous habit / style of the crystals or a great pickup for a Chinese mineral collector. Don't miss out, these are not easy to find on the market, and very pretty to boot. From the collection of Cynthia Payne.