MANGANOCALCITE & PYRITE

13302

Locality

Huanzala Mine, Huallanca District, Dos de Mayo Province, Huánuco Department, Peru

Dimensions (H x W x D)

49 x 42 x 34 cm

Weight

25.95 kg

Description & Provenance

Although calcite is abundant in the world, its multitude of shapes, colors and associations make it one of the most diverse minerals on the planet. From gem-like, amber-colored “diamonds” to floral stalactites to “pagodas” made up of stacked rhomboids, the varieties of calcite are numerous and fascinating. Manganocalcite is a subset of calcite, distinctive for its pink coloring, produced from trace amounts of manganese (Mn) in its elemental makeup. This sizeable example is composed of hundreds of crystals that have intergrown in several sheets. As though purposefully ordered, the sheets are smaller as they ascend upwards in a tall, naturally formed structure. This composition gives the specimen not just a sense of balance but the uncanny likeness to a pine tree. Topped by a golden cube of pyrite encircled by lustrous, black sphalerite crystals, many joke that it’s not just any pine tree but a Christmas tree. Delightfully weird and rather curious, this specimen would make an attractive pedestal piece and is sure to inspire conversation.

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