Fluorescent Manganese-Bearing Calcite “Poker Chip” Cluster

Description

A striking and substantial cabinet specimen featuring dense clusters of manganese-bearing Calcite in the sought-after “poker chip” habit, from Liancheng, Fujian Province, China.

This piece displays a complex, sculptural arrangement of intergrown tabular crystals, exhibiting classic hexagonal plate formations with a refined pearly to silky lustre. The structure is well developed across the specimen, with multiple layered rosettes creating strong three-dimensional depth and visual balance.

Under ultraviolet light, the Calcite shows vivid pink to purple fluorescence in the UV photograph. The UV image is presented separately from the white-light views; appearance can vary with the lamp used.

The specimen is mounted for display, presenting as a ready-to-show cabinet piece suitable for collectors and interior presentation.

Locality: Liancheng Manganese Deposit, Liancheng County, Longyan Prefecture, Fujian Province, China.

Collector’s note: Liancheng “poker chip” Calcite is one of the most recognisable modern Chinese mineral forms. This large, well-balanced example combines strong crystal structure and fluorescence.

The tabular growth gives this Calcite a layered appearance. Broad faces establish the shape, while the repeated edges draw attention to smaller stages within the crystal groups. “Poker chip” is a descriptive habit name rather than a separate mineral species. It is this arrangement of plates, rather than colour alone, that makes the specimen distinctive.

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 Liancheng Manganese Deposit, Liancheng County, Fujian, 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 260 × 200 × 100 mm, with a recorded weight of 3.3 kg. Its scale gives the natural architecture room to be appreciated as a whole, while the finer growth provides detail for closer study.

Condition: Very good overall condition. Minor natural edge contacts consistent with complex growth. No significant damage reported; the specimen displays exceptionally well.

Presentation: Mounted on a clear acrylic display base. The white-light photographs show its structure, lustre and form against a black background.

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.