Description & Provenance

Calcites from Tennessee are a highly collectible subset of the species, easily identified by their distinct, twinned, scalenohedral crystal habit. Often, the crystals are twinned at their base, creating highly sculptural, doubly terminated crystals that have a “diamond-shape” that is pointed at both ends. Colors exhibited by these calcites typically range from colorless to yellow, orange, and rarely, golden-brown. Elmwood specimens also tend to exhibit more translucence than other varieties of calcite, giving them the look of cut and polished gemstones. This is a superb example with the quintessential, twinned, “diamond-shaped” crystals that make Elmwood a collector’s favorite. Unlike other examples however, its primary crystal has not one but two peaks at one end, an unusually complex variant to the already geometric, scalenohedral points. It has an ideal orientation, face on, and at a dramatic angle that accentuates its pristine terminations. A secondary crystal intersects it, accentuating the sharp lines and geometry of the piece. The crystals have the quintessential, golden-yellow coloration that intensifies towards their tips. Translucent and warmly-hued, the calcites become illuminated with just a hint of light. Both of the beautiful calcite crystals are gem-like and brilliantly lustrous. Its color and form make this piece instantly recognizable as an Elmwood Mine specimen, and an exceptional one at that. The contrasting, dark-grey sphalerite matrix further intensifies the calcites’ gem-like aesthetics, creating a specimen that immediately catches the eye. Since the mine’s closing in 2015, pieces like this, especially of this quality and spectacular color, are rapidly becoming more elusive.

For more information about this mineral specimen please contact us.