Calcite with oriented Hematite inclusions

Item Description

This is an iconic and unique style of famous Tsumeb mineral combination, an iconic Calcite style unique to this mine, and just a beautiful mineral on its own. The specimen features a sharp contrast of color with intergrown rhombohedrons of glassy and gemmy, colorless Calcite exhibiting a preferential inclusion of brick-red Hematite on select faces on this sensational Tsumeb classic. Lustrous, transparent to translucent Calcite rhombohedra to 2 cm on edge comprise a showy rounded, and almost spiky mounded group of crystals. The rhombs are completely see-through in many orientations and somewhat turbid in other orientations, almost like fiber optics where you can see down one axis and not through another. Another, and probably the most fascinating aspect of this dramatic piece is the preferential growth of Hematite on select faces just under the surface of the Calcite crystals. It still amazes me how preferential many coatings can be (thought to be as a result of a particular direction the fluids are coming from that carry the building blocks of certain minerals, like Hematite in a later stage of the formation ). The contrasts of texture and color gives the whole specimen a beautiful and unique appearance from various viewing angles. This specimen is a classic style for Tsumeb Calcite and very fine for its size. It is in great shape overall considering the large size, save only a couple of dings at the periphery and some minor edge rubbing on a few crystals. Specimens in the 2-3 inch size are treasured and available rarely enough on market. Large pieces like this, however, are seldom seen. Valued $5000-plus.