Calcite on Calcite (old classic)

Item Description

Classic, very aesthetic, large, old-time plate of nailhead-spar calcite crystals from the famous extinct iron mines of Egremont. The impressive water-clear, very glassy crystals richly and attractively cover the undulating matrix plate covered with tiny, scintillating calcite rhombs. The upright crystals reach about 3.1 cm and the large flat-lying crystal is 3.0 cm long. All of the many well-placed crystals in the interior appear to be pristine and the bit of negligible periphery wear is certainly a modest detraction to this outstanding old-timer. Classics of old English minerals, these were generally found in the mid to late 1800s, and absolutely remain classics to this day, with good ones rarely coming available. Formerly in the dealer stock of well-known New York dealer, Larry Conklin, who passed away in 2016. His label is 10 to 20 years old. This exceptionally fine piece is certainly worth more today.