Calcite stalactites (uncommon locale)

Item Description

Variably-sized, translucent, rich burnt-orange calcite stalactites dramatically cover this impressive plate from an uncommon older Montana locale. The calcite (often referred to as aragonite in this material...I was told that the analysis had been made) stalactites of Carter County are renowned for their form and color and came out in the 1970s, I am told. All of the primary stalactites are pristine and the small broken one on the back edge is certainly not a detraction. Two spots of periphery wear are noted. It is still very dramatic. Carter County is in extreme southeastern Montana in the Paleozoic Williston Basin, an area not known for fine mineral specimens. There is a whole zone of this shale with these concretions and they have "stalactites" like this along with barite and other minerals. No caverns though...not a cave formation per se. The base has been sawed to enhance the display. This is an uncommon and excellent example. Ex Bob Trimingham Collection.