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Calcite on Sphalerite Mineral Specimen

$65.00

Soothing calcite crystallizes in the hexagonal system with a wide range of crystal habits and colors.

Most often sphalerite is yellow or yellow-brown in color is zinc sulfide that crystallizes in the isometric system, usually in the tetrahedral habit or as octahedral or dodecahedral crystals. It forms mainly in hydrothermal veins, and is the primary ore of zinc.

Size: 2.75″ x 5″

Locality:  Smith Co. Tennesse

SKU: CAL1. Tags: .

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Calcite on Sphalerite Mineral Specimen 

CALCITE

 

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Although known since antiquity, calcite’s many confusing crystal habits precluded recognition as a species until 1845.  Its name stems from the Greek chalx, meaning “lime.” Calcite is found worldwide; notable collecting localities are in England, Iceland, Germany, India, and the United States (Tennessee, Missouri, Michigan, New Jersey).

 

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Calcite [calcium carbonate, CaCO3], pronounced CHAL-site, is the most abundant carbonate mineral.  It crystallizes in the hexagonal system (trigonal subsystem); crystals are usually rhombohedral, scalenohedral, or prismatic with a unusually wide variety of habits.  It has a Mohs hardness of 3.0, perfect cleavage in three directions to form rhombohedrons, vitreous-to-dull luster, and a specific gravity of 2.7-3.0.  It is usually white or colorless, but impurities create a wide range of pale colors.  Calcite develops in many mineralogical environments, including pegmatites, carbonatites, chemical and sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, and hydrothermal veins.

 

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: According to metaphysical practitioners, calcite enhances learning abilities, reduces fear and stress, removes negative energies, and promotes creativity and imagination.  Calcite is the primary mineral component of limestone, which is mined in huge quantities for use as dimensional stone, in cement, and as a metallurgical flux; and marble, which serves as a dimensional stone and sculpting medium.  Banded, massive forms of calcite, known as “marble onyx,” are fashioned into ornamental objects.

 

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Calcite specimens are widely sought by collectors for their remarkable variety of crystal habits and colors, unusual size, affordability, excellent crystal development, and, in composite specimens, interesting associations with many other minerals.

 

SPHALERITE

 

 

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Sphalerite, or zinc sulfide, has been known since antiquity and was recognized as a mineral species in 1824.  Its name, pronounced SFAH-leh-rite, is derived from the Greek sphaleros, meaning “treacherous” or “deceitful,” alluding to its visual similarity to, and confusion with, the crystal forms of galena and other minerals.  Important localities include Germany, Mexico, China, France, Spain, Peru, Australia, and the United States (Tennessee, Idaho, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, Missouri).

 

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Sphalerite [zinc sulfide, ZnS] crystallizes in the isometric system, usually as yellow or yellow-brown, octahedral or dodecahedral crystals.  It has a Mohs hardness of 3.5-4.0, a subconchoidal fracture, perfect cleavage in six directions, a resinous-to-greasy luster, and a specific gravity of 3.9-4.1.  Sphalerite is occasionally transparent, but is usually translucent to opaque with colors ranging from yellow and yellow-brown to reddish-brown, green, and near-black.  It forms mainly in hydrothermal veins in association with galena and quartz.

 

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Sphalerite is the primary ore of zinc and mined extensively worldwide.  Transparent crystals are sometimes cut into distinctive collectors’ gems.  Metaphysical practitioners believe that sphalerite balances the masculine and feminine aspects of personality, assists in changing vocations, and enhances introspection.

 

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Sphalerite is collected both as individual and composite specimens, the latter in association with such minerals as galena, quartz, and calcite.

SKU: CAL1 Tag: .

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