3.2" Transparent Columnar Calcite Crystal Cluster - China

Xia Yang Mine is a mine in central China's Fujian province that produces rich, dark flourite specimens along with calcite and quartz. The flourite from this locality tends to be blocky in shape with large faces, and can come in a range of colors from vibrant blues to deeper purples and glassy green shades. The deep purple specimens are sometimes called "Tanzanite Fluorites" for the rich, deep blue-purple coloration and the way those colors shift depending on the lighting.

About Calcite Crystals

Calcite crystals are a form of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) known for their diverse shapes, transparency, and vibrant range of colors. They typically form in rhombohedral, scalenohedral, or prismatic shapes, often with well-defined, sharp edges and glossy surfaces. Calcite crystals are often translucent or transparent, sometimes displaying a double refraction effect where objects viewed through the crystal appear doubled. They can appear in various colors—white, clear, yellow, pink, blue, green, and orange—depending on impurities or trace minerals.

A notable characteristic of calcite is its reaction with weak acids like vinegar, which causes it to effervesce, or fizz, as it releases carbon dioxide. This property makes calcite crystals a key tool in geological identification and studies. Calcite forms in many environments, from sedimentary rocks like limestone and marble to hydrothermal veins.