Unusual Manganoan Calcite (fluorescent) Weaver Coll.

Item Description

These calcites surprised us because it was something new, in a species that produces so much variety: An amazingly exotic multi-generational calcite with included manganese or hematite from the obscure Palmarejo Mine of Chihuahua. They started trickling out around 2015. This open pit and underground silver-gold mine is known for such highly unusual multigenerational and twinned calcite specimens and this surreal large 360- degree piece certainly qualifies. A large matte coated early scalenohedron with a well-defined sharp edge dominates one side. Lustrous small stepped-growth calcite rhombs included with either manganese or hematite strikingly flank the coated scalenohedron on both sides and grade into glassy small gray rhombs. The other side is very dramatically accented by the large later generation, glassy and translucent stepped-growth complex compound rhombs, highlighted by the impressive 5.0 cm at the crest. The sides and broken base reveal a REAL surprise under SW UV light. The fantastically zoned scalenohedron lights up with neon-orange fluorescence! Ex Gary Weaver Collection. These fantastic calcites with unreal chemistry came out a few years ago, with none since. We have seen similar examples of these at shows for $2000 and are worth it for their unique quality and form.