Manganese-bearing Calcite (highly fluorescent) circa 1980s

Item Description

Attractive and unusual, this cluster of coated Calcite scalenohedrons on Sphalerite is from the very well-known Pachapaqui mining district and from finds of the mid 1980s that are a classic, memorable style we do not see today! The cluster is almost stalactitic in nature, and the splayed geometry of the crystals creates a very interesting, Alpine look. The crystals are coated with a dense, snow-like layer of Manganoan Calcite, with Sphalerite exposed at the base and small black crystals of possibly Tetrahedrite nestled in the crevasses between the peaks. Of course, the fluorescence of the Manganoan Calcite is as intense a reddish-orange as you could want and expect. This is an aesthetic and rather unique small cabinet piece, and well represents the wide range of Pachapaqui Manganoan Calcites that are coveted by collectors. See the 1997 Peru Mineralogical Record issue, Vol. 28, No. 4. Recently deaccessed from the Tim Sherburn collection. A superb miniature of this material with STUNNING fluorescence as a bonus!