Fluorescent “Poker Chip” Calcite

Description

A sculptural arrangement of white to translucent tabular Calcite crystals from the Liancheng Manganese Deposit in Fujian, China.

This cabinet-sized piece brings together a dense cluster of sharply formed, intergrown Calcite crystals. Their broad, stepped plates create the distinctive “Poker Chip” appearance, with white faces and softly translucent edges rising from a grey limestone matrix.

The specimen is reported to fluoresce a strong pink under ultraviolet light, adding another way to enjoy its crystal structure. It weighs 513 g and measures 130 × 95 × 45 mm.

It is described as a natural specimen with no repairs or enhancements. Calcite is relatively soft, so handle it carefully and avoid acids or prolonged contact with water.

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, Longyan, Fujian 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 130 × 95 × 45 mm, with a recorded weight of 513 g. The proportions give a useful guide to its place in a display, with the individual crystal arrangement and mineral association remaining the principal points of interest.

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.