MANGANOCALCITE

08125

Locality

Chenzhou Prefecture, Hunan Province, China

Dimensions (H x W x D)

22 x 24 x 11.5 cm

Weight

5.75 kg

Description & Provenance

Calcite is one of the most plentiful minerals on earth but the crystal habits and formations it takes on are so numerous and so different, it would be easy to have several examples where one does not resemble the next. Manganocalcite is one such variant, it is a rarer type of calcite that has a pink coloring due to a higher manganese content. Collectors adore manganocalcite for its soft pink color and capacity for geometry. This is a lovely example, composed of a formation of three very large manganocalcite crystals. Each has distinct edges and smooth faces, showing off their individual form, but they have also married together in a highly attractive and unique heart formation. The blush-pink tone of the crystals furthers this likeness, and their luster imparts an almost-pearlescent sheen. A smaller, densely clustered crystals of colorless calcite act as their matrix (host rock). Each is terminated with a Y-shaped point. Rarifying this specimen further, is a preferential depositing of tiny pyrite crystals. They look like sparkling, golden-silver lines that accent every Y-face, and just some of the larger crystals’ faces. It looks as if this specimen was skillfully adorned with a shimmering glitter, yet the artist was Mother Nature alone. It serves as a great example of how minerals can be a combination of both nature and art. Thanks to its size, pretty colors, eye-catching shape, and capacity for luster, this highly aesthetic specimen would make a fantastic addition to any room.

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