Calcite w/ Limonite stalactites (RARE style - old)

Item Description

Very rare style large old-time calcite from the Proprietary Mine at Broken Hill. The striking vuggy matrix is dramatically filled with pearlescent calcite balls on all sides. Some of the fantastic balls have hollow nipples on their ends, suggesting that these are stalactites! Broken balls reveal the striking radial growth of the spheres. One side is covered with parallel-growth limonite stalactites, adding even more pizzazz. From an East Coast collection and comes with a century-old, faded, water-stained and torn label, that lists this rare varietal as "strontiano-calcite". The revered 1982 "Minerals of Broken Hill" coffee table book cites strontian calcite on Page 99. Globular colorless to white crystalline clusters of calcite on stalactitic limonite were claimed in 1926 to contain strontium. "There are no confirmatory reports of such a variety." A dramatic, rare and old style of calcite from Broken Hill.