Calcite (''phantom'' crystal with iron oxide inclusions) (fluorescent)

Item Description

A classic big showy cabinet specimen of these distinctive Calcites from the famed San Antonio Mine in Santa Eulalia, Mexico. The piece features a good sized, robust scalenohedral crystal of Calcite with secondary generations of additional Calcite overgrowth, ranging from virtually colorless in areas to more of a reddish-brown tone, but when the piece is strongly backlit, you can see a deep fiery crimson hue internally. The red hues are created thanks to iron oxide inclusions, and the multiple generations of crystallization have given the piece many layers of intrigue. While the main crystal is more elongated / prismatic in its habit, the smaller overgrowing crystals are more "stubby" and compressed. Very good quality all around, and a classic example of this old material (the back of the label says it was acquired in 1966). Strong red fluorescence under SW UV light. Valued $950.
From the worldwide mineral collection of Albert ("Al") Lewis Kidwell (January 1, 1919 - August 16, 2008). Al was a well-known mineral collector and research geologist with Carter Oil Company and later Exxon Oil Company in Houston, Texas. The phosphate species Kidwellite was named in his honor in 1974.