Manganoan Calcite (rare - old)

Item Description

A striking, 5.7 cm wide hemisphere of intergrown, lustrous and translucent, pretty pink, manganoan calcite rhombs is dramatically set on ironstone matrix richly covered with tiny, hematite-included calcite rhombs. This colorful and excellent piece is from a major underground iron mine in Wisconsin. Some bruising is noted on the top of the ball (which can be minimized by the display view) and the smaller isolated clusters also have some bruising. Pieces in this quality and rich color are very uncommon. Modest fluorescence. Ex Rob Lavinsky Calcite Collection. Valued by Rob at $400, many years ago.