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Manganoan Calcite (circa 1800s) ex Miller Coll.
- Samson Mine, St. Andreasberg, Harz Mts., Lower Saxony, Germany
- Small Cabinet, 8.3 x 6.5 x 6.2 cm
- Start Time: 05/10/2010 6:30:00 pm (CDT)
- End Time: 05/20/2010 6:30:00 pm (CDT)
- Auction Closed
Item Description
A classic, old-time cluster of translucent, lustrous, pastel-pink, modified rhombohedral manganoan calcite crystals with unusual cobblestone-like lumpy terminations, and from the famous Samson Mine at St. Andreasberg, Germany. Few calcites from this region survive today with accurate mine attribution and of those I think Samson mine pieces are fairly uncommon. This showy specimen comes with old handwritten German label and certainly dates to the 1800s. There is also an old paper label glued to the bottom of the piece. From the very well-known Miller Calcite Collection sold in the 1990s. Note this has a super orange fluorescence which, like the color, is rare in calcite from this region. Valued for quality at $1000 anyhow for a good German calcite. Add another $$$ bonus for the history and labels, and I think $1000 is not unrealistic here at all.