4.4" Manganoan Calcite (Highly Fluorescent) With Pyrite - Peru

About Manganoan Calcite

Manganoan Calcite, also known as Mangano Calcite or Pink Calcite, is a variety of calcite rich in manganese, giving it a distinctive pink color that ranges from soft pastel to vibrant rose hues. The presence of manganese not only colors the mineral but often creates fluorescent qualities under UV light, where Manganoan Calcite emits a lovely pink or red glow. This mineral is usually found in massive, granular forms or in well-defined rhombohedral crystal structures, with a silky or vitreous luster.

Primarily sourced from locations like Peru, Bulgaria, and China, Manganoan Calcite is valued both for its beauty and metaphysical properties.

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.

Pyrite (or iron pyrite) is commonly referred to as Fool's Gold because its metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue give it a superficial resemblance to gold. In the old mining days, Pyrite was sometimes mistaken for gold. Pyrite is the most common of the sulfide minerals with the chemical formula FeS2. Pyrite crystals occur in many shapes and habits. Smaller (druzy) crystal aggregates may give off beautiful glistening effects, and larger crystals may be perfectly formed, including fascinating cubes, penetration twins, and other interesting crystal forms.