Calcite on Rhodochrosite on Sphalerite

Item Description

Classic, sculptural, large mounded layered combination from the historic polymetallic Stari Trg Mine at Trepca. Spherical aggregates of very glassy and lustrous, translucent, colorless, nailhead calcite rhombohedrons dramatically covers most of the impressive piece. Darker areas reveal the underlying Sphalerite. One side and end below the calcite has clusters of tiny, sparkly, creamy Rhodochrosite microcrystals. The basal periphery wear and base shows that some of the creamy Rhodochrosite is light pink and covers the matrix core of splendent jet-black Sphalerite. Orange to pink LW UV calcite fluorescence. See the 2007 Mineralogical Record article in Vol. 38, No. 4. From the dealer stock of De Natura (Les Presmyk), well-known Arizona specialist, dealer and author. Les priced the piece at $650 a number of years ago. A very showy and interesting large layered combination from the famous locale.