Realgar, Calcite and Picropharmacolite (Krause Coll.)

Item Description

A very showy and aesthetic combination specimen, that includes the rare hydrated arsenate, picropharmacolite, from the famous Shimen Mine of China. Two, "rabbit ears", translucent and lustrous, gray, calcite scalenohedrons to 2.2 cm crown the mounded matrix, which is covered with gemmy, cherry-red, realgar crystals. Tiny tufts of snow-white picropharmacolite needles at the bases of the calcite crystals are a stark contrast to the screaming red realgar. There are also sprays of tan picropharmacolite needles on the left side of the specimen. A bit of trivial edgewear is noted to the calcite crystals, but certainly nothing to detraction. A highly representative and excellent combination example of the species and locale. Ex Larry Krause Collection.