Manganoan Calcite (rare) on Hematite

Item Description

A striking, 2.9 cm wide "ball" of intergrown, lustrous and translucent, pretty pink, manganoan calcite rhombs is dramatically set on the hematite matrix slab. This colorful and excellent piece is from a major underground iron mine in Wisconsin closed before 1967. The ball is complete all-around. The front is pristine. The contact at the base of the back is out-of-sight. Pieces in this quality and rich color are very uncommon. Faint pink fluorescence. Valued by the former dealer at $495.