Calcite twin (classic old fluorescent style) ex Payne Coll.

Item Description

An exceptional, sculptural and aesthetic butterfly or "Mariposa"-twinned calcite from the famed Potosi Mine at Santa Eulalia. These are mineral classics from the old days! This striking specimen has three-staged growth. Early scalenohedrons, commonly doubly terminated twins coated with oxides, are overgrown by lustrous, nearly transparent, colorless calcite rhombohedra. A striking third generation of yellow-orange rhombs is sitting nested in the interior of the V shape. The early stage calcite is dramatically fluorescent red-orange under SW UV light, due to significant manganese content - and produces these classic patterns seen in the fluorescent photos! Platy iron oxides are a fine accessory, adding contrast and impact. For more info: See the 2018 Santa Eulalia Mineralogical Record Mexico Special Issue VIII, Vol. 49, No. 1. Butterfly calcite is probably the best known specimen material from the famed district and has been intermittently available since the 1950s. Ex Cynthia Payne Calcite Collection, a large and well known collection built up over decades. Note the old label and price from over a decade ago (probably 2000-2010 era from dealer Keith Williams). An outstanding example, with STUNNING fluorescent patterns that make them famous to multiple groups of mineral collectors. We see these come back on the market only rarely!