Fluorescent “Poker Chip” Calcite with Display Stand

Description

White tabular Calcite crystals spread across a grey stone matrix, displayed upright on the clear stand included with this specimen.

From the Liancheng Manganese Deposit in Fujian Province, China, this specimen has a spread of overlapping white Calcite plates across its grey stone matrix. Their broad faces and stepped outlines give the distinctive “poker chip” appearance.

The clear stand lifts the specimen for display and is included in the £195 price. The close photograph shows the crystal texture; the reverse view shows how it rests on the stand. The silent video offers a further look at the same piece.

It weighs 650 g and measures approximately 15 × 11.5 × 4 cm. Please examine the photographs and video for crystal edges, surfaces and matrix. The exact specimen shown will be supplied.

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 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 Approx. 15 × 11.5 × 4 cm, with a recorded weight of 650 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.