Calcite w/ Realgar (excellent inclusions ! ) Cynthia Payne Coll.

Item Description

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A stunning, highly sculptural 360-degree cluster of sharp intergrown glassy, transparent to translucent gray calcite crystals is dramatically accented with rich cherry-red realgar in the form of sharp crystal clusters, crystal sections and included realgar. The striking doubly terminated realgar-included pair at the crest is 3.8 cm across (large crystal). The angled doubly terminated calcite with the cluster of sharp realgar crystals, to 9 mm, hidden in a cleft is 6.3 cm and the prominent large terminated calcite crystal "trunk" is 7.3 cm long. Another doubly terminated calcite below the hidden realgar crystals with striking multiple tips at one end is 4.4 cm long. This exceptional combination from this famous historic Chinese mine, over 1500 years old, has outstanding 360-degree visual appeal. Complete all-around and pristine, the attachment is at the base of the large calcite. Ex Cynthia Payne Calcite Collection. The former dealer valued the piece at $895 over five years ago. The current value is $1200-1500. Combination specimens with this artistic form and quality are rare.