Calcite with Prehnite (rare for the locality)

Item Description

While Calcite is reported from this locality, specimens were notably few and far between. I actually purchased this piece in 2006 directly from friends in China. It was the only one they had available, and they wanted a considerable amount for it because they knew that even though it was Calcite, it was still rare for the locality. This cabinet specimen features a 7.0 cm, modified milky white rhomb of Calcite which is aesthetically set in the middle of the specimen. The Calcite has an unusual shape, but it honestly looks crystallized on all sides, so I don't know if it was partially etched and recrystallized, or if it just formed in a tight space and was later exposed after it was removed from the pocket. The Calcite is highlighted by translucent, soft green colored semi-spherical groups of Prehnite comprising "clamshell"-shaped crystals. The matrix is covered by small white "bursts" of Quartz crystals with dark greenish-black specks of Babingtonite here and there. No damage of note outside of the periphery where the piece was removed from the pocket wall. Very attractive and a worthwhile piece to add to any Calcite suite or a Chinese collection. Priced at $700 in the inventory.