This is perhaps the most famously known (and expensive) specimen in the collection, as it was shown at an exhibit on twinning in Munich of 1999, and is published in both the widely circulated German Lapis issue on Calcite ; and the English-version ExtraLapis issue on calcite (2003). It is a miracle survivor, in that it has lasted all this time since being mined in the mid 1800s, and remains in nearly pristine condition. This specimen hosts FIVE butterfly twinned calcite crystals on matrix. Interestingly one closed twin (i.e. the wings taper in, instead of out) has formed between 2 open twins, in the first three crystals in front...how this could happen, two different twin laws forming on crystals growing at the same time in the same place on the same matrix, I have no idea. Certainly it is unexpected. The specimen was formerly in the collection of wealthy sauerkraut manufacturer K. Rau of Germany, who specialized in highest quality cabinet pieces. A previous and clearly older German label notes that the specimens is "selten schone xx stufe" - a "rare and beautiful crystallized piece!". Upon his death, the piece went to Humboldt University of Berlin. It was exchanged out in 1986 and shortly ended up with Ralph Sutcliffe, whose collection passed to the Greenbanks in 1991. The previous owners feel that this specimen is the most historically important calcite in this collection, and one of the most important calcite survivors from the heyday of British mining, period. I am, simply, honored to offer it. As a young collector specializing in calcite since I was 12, this is really a dream come true to hold this famous specimen! Illustrated multiple times as noted above in other journals; and on page 117 of our own book on this collection, Minerals of Northern England. Joe Budd photo.

This is a magnificent, glassy and gemmy, colorless "heart twin" of calcite. The specimen is pristine save for contact at the base which nearly all have anyhow. These superb twins date from the late 1800s and were the marvel of the mines, sold through fullpage ads to collectors in the United States through the late 1800s. To survive to today in such condition usually means it was in a museum drawer for 100 years. Also, such clarity, such brighht lustre, is extremely rare. The total colorlessness of the piece makes it stand out even in a case of fancier gem crystals, and it is literally like a "jewel." The photos do not convey this incredible lustre - it really IS finer than most other such examples I have seen, for all these qualities, in person. Even today, these English heart twins are immediately recognizable an dhighly desired, without peer in my opinion. The gemminess of this specimen is exceptional, clearly putting this into the top category of twins from Cumbria. It was in Ralph Sutcliffe's noted collection (until sold to Greenbank in 1990) and his label accompanies the specimen. Note the old label dated 1920, as well. Incredibly fine! Illustrated in the Greenbank Collection book, page 121 - a half page photo. (Joe Budd photo, shown here atop)

The vast majority of fine English "butterfly twin" or "heart twin" specimens are not on matrix - which makes this gem of a specimen that much rarer. And it is a gem, totally clean and bright, like a jewel! There is a limpid, exquisite, colorless twin perched alongside another single crystal. The twin measures 4 cm in length and is highly modified with a rare type of "butterfly" twinning ; and is just flawless. Ex John Graves (a Frizington mineral dealer of prominence in the mid to late 1800s) and Ex. Harry Gordon collections. Interestingly the Harry Gordon collection is actually the collection of the Reverend John Gordon (1849-1922) who bequeathed it to the Aberdeen Museum in honor of and under his grandfathers name. Exchanged out in 1989, this quickly ended up in the Ralph Sutcliffe collection. This is a world class specimen, without any doubt, from any locale. But the history and rarity in context, add another dimension to this superb specimen, which was highly valued by Lindsay as well. Notably the very old, circa-1850 John Graves label survives - and is shown, with the specimen, illustrated on page 122 of the Minerals of Northern England book.