large Calcite twin (old classic) Kidwell Coll. in 1934

Item Description

A remarkable and RARE large old-time fishtail-twinned calcite from the historic Joplin Field. This impressive large crystal has the rarest style of the four calcite twinning habits for Tri-State calcites - at 127 degrees 30 minutes. The twinning plane termination on this striking piece appears to be nearly 180 degrees! The sculptural tapered 360-degree crystal has rich amber color (more yellow when backlit and amber when room-lit), translucence with a striking gemmy termination area, and highly interesting stepped-growth to etched faces with satin luster. Complete all-around and pristine. One lower face has a contact where another crystal once lay, but there is no damage, per se and is out-of-sight in the preferred display view. See the 2017 Mineralogical Record Tri-State District! Special Issue in Vol. 48, No. 2. From the worldwide collection of Al Kidwell (January 1, 1919 - August 16, 2008) and was purchased in 1934! Al's label is included on this piece - although it is missing on some others of the collection. His handwriting notes the purchase date, for $30 at the time, in 1934! Al was a well-known mineral collector and research geologist with Carter Oil Company and later Exxon Oil Company in Houston, Texas. The phosphate species Kidwellite was named in his honor in 1974. This is an important, exceptional and rare large old-time Joplin Field Tri-State calcite. Valued at $2000-plus.