Calcite on Dark Matrix · Yaogangxian · 2.945 kg

Description

Translucent to milky white Calcite blades and clustered rosettes stand out against a dark, finely textured matrix. The upright form gives this large cabinet specimen strong contrast and depth, with smaller crystal groups scattered across its surface.

The larger Calcite groupings have a soft pearly appearance, with overlapping blades and translucent edges that catch the light. Smaller crystals spread across the matrix between them, creating an open, varied display face.

The dark matrix is supplied as iron oxide, most likely limonite. Its precise composition and any alteration from earlier sulphide minerals have not been confirmed. The recorded locality is Yaogangxian Mine, Hunan Province, China.

You will receive the mineral shown, with its display stand included. Colour and reflections vary with lighting and screen settings.

The crossing arrangement described above is an important part of the specimen’s silhouette. It lets the direction of individual crystals be followed through the group, with open spaces making their outlines more apparent. Intersecting crystals alone do not establish a specific twin law; here the description concerns the visible arrangement rather than a laboratory-confirmed crystallographic relationship.

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 Yaogangxian Mine, Hunan Province, China. Within a collection of Calcite specimens, this locality gives the piece a geographical identity alongside its particular crystal habit and natural setting.

The specimen measures 200 × 180 × 90 mm, with a recorded weight of 2.945 kg. 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.