Calcite (multi-twinned specimen) (RARE locale!) (ex William T. Carter Collection)

Item Description

Here we have a really cool old time specimen that was collected in 1956. The collection label accompanying the piece states it was collected at "Caldwell Cave" which is located 9 miles southwest of Bluefield, West Virginia. It should be noted that Bluefield was a well-known coal mining town, but there is no report of any specimens of Calcite coming from this area. I can't find any mention of a locality called "Caldwell Cave" in any database, so if anybody out there has information as to where this piece is from, please let us know. With that said, this piece is a truly impressive and eye-catching Calcite featuring multiple penetration twinned scalenohedra of a soft golden-yellow color. The two main Calcite crystals are distinct from one another as one has a notably resinous luster, while the other has a more subdued matte luster. Good crystallized specimens of Calcite are rare enough from West Virginia, but to have such a fine quality multi-twinned crystal group like this is fantastic! If you collect worldwide Calcites or minerals of West Virginia, this is a must-have specimen for your collection. The piece comes with a label from William T. Carter, who as I mentioned states that the piece was collected in 1956. The value for a piece like this is exceptionally difficult to gauge, as I have seen nothing to compare, but I would say safely it's in the $1,000 range just for the fine crystallization and the super rare locality.