Calcite ("Nagelkalk" = "Nail Lime") (Scepter Crystals)

Item Description

Calcite is one of the most diverse mineral species in the world in terms of colors and crystal habits. This particular specimen has a beautiful crystal habit / form and comes with an old label which refers to the shape as "Nagelkalk" (German for "Nail Lime"), which is a reference to the somewhat "nail head" shape of the crystals, but we typically would call this style more of a "scepter" habit these days. There is a Wikipedia article in German that talks about this material (https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tutenmergel), and it states that the "nail" portion of the name was given based upon the fact that sometimes this material can weather down, and will resemble more of a nail shape. With that said, there is NO weathering on this impressive specimen, as it is loaded with very sharp, highly lustrous, sparkling, gemmy, compressed, colorless rhombohedra crystals on the upper portion of the scepter, sitting atop more opaque white "stems". What really makes the piece extra special is that it's from one of the most significant and historic mining districts in Europe: Pribram, Czech Republic. It's impossible to know specifically which mine this piece came from, but I can say for certain that I haven't seen another quite like it, and certainly NOTHING of this quality. Don't miss out on this excellent and beautiful example that would fit wonderfully into a worldwide Calcite suite or a collection of unique crystal habits, or simply European classics.