Calcite (var: Manganoan) (''floater'' butterfly twin)

Item Description

A robust and impressive example of these contemporary marvels from the Huanggang Mine. It's safe to say that "butterfly"-twinned Calcites of this quality are known from only a few places in the world, and these beauties from China are truly impressive and eye-catching. This small cabinet is a somewhat compressed / flattened, "butterfly" twin of manganese-bearing, soft pink Calcite with good luster, sharp faces and a satiny translucent / gemmy interior. The piece glows a bright orange under fluorescent light. We obtained the lion's share of the best twins from this pocket in 2016, and this is one of the better examples. Nearly all were floaters with pointy bottoms, or had broken bottoms, whereas this has an extension crystal flaring off the bottom, so it appears to have a "stem" of matrix, but it's really just additional Calcite. With that said, the piece is completely crystallized on all sides, making it a complete "floater". I can't find any damage, even in the areas of previously contacted growth, as the little nooks and hollow areas have been healed ("re-healed"). A superb representation of this very limited and fine quality Calcite twins from this impressive specimen-producing locality. Valued at $4,000 in the inventory for size, quality and sheer visual beauty.