Large Calcite with Hematite

Description

An expansive Calcite cluster with intergrown, lustrous crystals in smoky-grey and champagne tones, raised on a custom acrylic display stand.

From Daye County in China’s Hubei Province, this large Calcite specimen spans approximately 31 cm. Numerous intergrown crystals present reflective faces and smoky-grey to pale champagne colour. The gently arched formation reveals different crystal groups when viewed from the front, side and above.

Darker areas and iron-stained matrix provide contrast. Hematite inclusions are reported in the supplied specimen information, though that mineral identification has not been independently tested. The custom acrylic stand shown in the photographs is included.

Delivery: This large, delicate specimen and its stand will be packed carefully for dispatch. Contact Avalon for delivery options.

The recorded Hematite adds iron-mineral detail alongside the principal crystals. Its distribution and contrasting colour help distinguish different parts of the specimen. Here, that association is appreciated as part of the piece’s natural character, alongside the crystal form and matrix. The identification follows the recorded listing rather than being inferred from colour alone.

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 Daye County, Hubei 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 31 × 12 × 10.5 cm, with a recorded weight of 3.431 kg. Its scale gives the natural architecture room to be appreciated as a whole, while the finer growth provides detail for closer study.

Condition: Described as excellent overall, with minor natural edge contacts. Please examine all five photographs for crystal surfaces, contacts and matrix edges. The exact specimen photographed will be supplied.

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.