RLIL14A-30
Calcite (Fluorescent) on Fluorite
Rosiclare Level, Cross-Cut orebody, Minerva #1 Mine, Cave-in-Rock District, Hardin Co., Illinois, USA
Small Cabinet, 6.9 x 4.7 x 4.5 cm
Ex. Ross Lillie
SOLD
Rather unique, and quite attractive, Calcite specimen from the Minerva Mine. The saucer-shaped main crystal, 3.7 cm across, has six faces on each side. It is of course a flattened rhombohedra, but with complexity to the faces: Three are pentagonal and striated, three are triangular and mirror-smooth. What I find astounding is that, as you flip it over, the pentagonal faces are attached to the triangular faces along the girdle, and the preferential striations are maintained. The opposite side is a perfect, rotated, mirror-image. It is mesmerizing in person. On top of that, the Calcites are fluorescent. Collected in 1992. To my mind, a very cool, under-appreciated specimen.