"Mercedes" Calcite with iridescent Pyrite / Chalcopyrite

Item Description

One of the largest and most impressive display specimens of these unique and eye-catching Calcites from China. This magnificent large cabinet sized display specimen is loaded with a coverage of gemmy to translucent compressed Calcite scalenohedra with a soft silvery / smoky hue which cover the underlying matrix. The most impressive and unique aspect of the piece is that the Calcites have a fantastic selective deposition of three pointed stars (sometimes called "trigons" and of course "Mercedes emblems") of sparkling, iridescent (copper, gold, blue, pink and green) Pyrite or Chalcopyrite which runs along the edges of the pyramidal faces of the terminations of nearly every crystal. The largest Calcite measures 1.6 cm across. The vast majority of the Calcite crystals are undamaged, but there are a few contacts here and there. IT should be noted that not all of the Calcites actually have the Pyrite / Chalcopyrite deposition. Obviously the piece is contacted around the periphery where it was removed from the pocket wall. We've only had a few of these, and no specific locality info was given outside of Hubei, China. If you're a fan of Calcites or Chinese minerals, don't miss out on this one as I don't think we have another one to offer in the auctions (certainly nothing even close to this size) and the quality and peculiarity of the piece make it a very desirable and unusual display specimen that would make a wonderful addition to your collection. The pieces weighs a whopping 2,458 grams (almost 5.5 pounds) Valued at $4,000. PLEASE NOTE: Since this piece is large and heavy, it will require an additional shipping charge. Please keep this in mind when bidding and feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.