One natural mineral specimen
Botryoidal Calcite with Fluorite & Quartz · 2,945 g
Hunan Province, China
£350
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Description
A broad Calcite cluster with rounded white growths and pale green areas of the supplied Fluorite association. Its layered, three-dimensional shape gives it a substantial display presence on the included clear stand.
The rounded Calcite growths sit among finer crystals, giving the surface varied texture and depth. The photographs show its broad form from several angles, together with its appearance under UV light.
Strong pink to magenta fluorescence is recorded in the supplied information. The UV photograph appears violet to pink; apparent colour varies with the lamp, camera and screen. The UV wavelength has not been supplied.
The associated minerals are supplied as Fluorite and minor Quartz. The supplied locality is Hunan Province, China.
You will receive the mineral shown, with its display stand included. No repairs or enhancement are reported in the supplied condition details; please examine the photographs for crystal edges and contact surfaces.
The rounded, botryoidal growth described here is an aggregate habit: many small crystals contribute to a larger curved surface. It offers a different kind of mineral display to a group of sharply pointed crystals. The adjoining rounded areas, recesses and changes in surface texture help bring out the three-dimensional form.
The accompanying Quartz brings a silicate crystal habit into the association. Its surfaces and crystal outlines contrast with the featured mineral, giving the specimen more than one kind of growth to examine. The way the minerals occupy the same piece is part of its character: the setting retains their natural relationship and adds depth to the overall display.
Calcite is calcium carbonate, a mineral with an unusually wide range of crystal forms. It occurs in sedimentary rocks, mineral veins and many other geological settings. Although the composition remains broadly the same, differences in growth conditions can produce dramatically different outlines, from broad faces to slender or densely grouped crystals. This variety is part of its interest for a mineral collection.
Calcite has well-developed cleavage: it can split along particular planes in its crystal structure. Its natural growth faces and cleavage surfaces therefore deserve careful distinction. Transparent, translucent and more opaque examples all occur. The shape, arrangement and surface character of this piece are more informative than colour alone, especially when comparing specimens from different localities.
The recorded origin is Hunan Province, China. The locality and mineral associations follow the information supplied with this specimen. Its individual growth and matrix provide the visual details described here.
The specimen measures Approx. 200 × 130 × 90 mm, with a recorded weight of 2,945 g. Its scale gives the natural architecture room to be appreciated as a whole, while the finer growth provides detail for closer study.
Calcite is relatively soft and has pronounced cleavage, so support the stable part of the specimen when moving it. Avoid pressure on thin plates or projecting points. A secure display helps preserve the delicate edges and the arrangement of growth described for this piece.