Calcite (var: Manganoan) (multiple generations) with Fluorite

Item Description

One of the new contemporary classics from China has to be the stunning pink mangoan Calcites from the Huanggang Mine in Inner Mongolia. This locality has been a source of some stunning and high quality mineral specimens over the last few years. China just never seems to run out of amazing minerals from new discoveries, and these gorgeous Calcites are one of the newest additions to the list. The incredible size and color of the crystals makes them some of the most significant manganoan Calcites in the world! This particular specimen showcases a large, predominant rhombic crystal of manganese-bearing Calcite with a thick coating of a second generation of beautiful "stepped" / scalloped crystal faces all over. The luster is wonderfully bright with a vitreous quality that is seen when the piece is rotated in the light. When backlit, the color just erupts out of the crystal and interestingly enough there appears to be a THIRD generation of Calcite, as a solitary scalenohedral gemmy light pink crystal can be seen on the side. This "dogtooth"-shaped crystal is certainly rare for the material, but it is unfortunately cleaved on the termination. Additionally, gemmy, colorless cuboctahedral Fluorite crystals can be seen near the base of the specimen. Amazginly I really can't find any major damage to the display side of the piece, and even the back is in great shape! These specimens are not appreciated for what they are. If you compared them to manganoan Calcites from anywhere else in the world, it would be hard to surpass them in terms of size, color and quality. It's only their recent appearance on the market that has kept their value lower than it should be. These will be worth more once the locality is done producing them. Valued at the inventory at $1850, but certainly worth more in my mind based upon the great aethetics, form and sheer impressiveness! The piece comes with a FREE custom lucite base. PLEASE NOTE: This piece is larger and heavier and will require an additional shipping charge, so please keep this in mind when bidding.