Quartz pseudomorph after Calcite (ex Jack Halpern Collection)

Item Description

A really attractive and seldom seen specimen from the famous Bor Pit at Dal'negorsk featuring sugary / drusy Quartz which has replaced Calcite rhombohedra on a thin plate of matrix. The piece is crystallized all the way around, and the only real damage is on the thin edge of the matrix where it was removed from the pocket. There is a two-tone appearance caused by what I believe to simply be some kind of tan colored pocket clay which gives the piece character and a depth. It would be very "plain" looking if it were simply pure white, with no definition. The largest Calcite group measures 3.0 cm long and is flaring aesthetically off the matrix. I've seen many Quartz specimens from this locality, but I don't think I've seen one replacing Calcite like this with COMPLETE / UNDAMAGED pseudomorphs. Typically they're busted and fairly unattractive, but this one is pristine and beautiful. From the collection of legendary mineral collector, Jack Halpern of San Francisco, California (specimen #3772). Jack was also a founding member of the Golden State Lily Society, and a former president of both the San Francisco Orchid Society and the San Francisco Rose Society. Valued at $950.