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5.15" Lustrous Sphalerite on Fluorescent Manganoan Calcite - Peru
This is an astonishing formation of lustrous sphalerite crystals and a crust of pyrite and chalcopyrite on manganoan calcite. It comes from the Casapalca Mine in Peru and the entire specimen measures 5.15" wide. The calcite is extremely fluorescent under both short and long-wave UV light. When under short-wave UV it radiates an insanely bright glowing pink-orange. This is a phenomenal specimen that should not be overlooked!
The Casapalca Mine in Peru is situated about 4500 meters above sea level, where the boundaries of Lima begin to transition into the Andes Mountains. The rough location falls within the Huarochiri Province of the Lima Department in Peru. This mine is notable for its rich deposits of lead, zinc, silver, and copper ores. However, it also produces some especially fine mineral specimens, similar to those coming out of Peru's famous Huanzala Mine in Ancash. The most common minerals from this locality are quartz, sphalerite, galena, pyrite, chalcopyrite, dolomite, barite, rhodochrosite, and manganoan calcite (aka manganocalcite). Often, many of these minerals occur in multi-mineral jumbled associations that make stunning display pieces.
Casapalca Mine also has another interesting feature: bisecting the primary vein is a parallel deposit that, for all intents and purposes, should not be there. This other vein does not match the stratigraphy of the surrounding formation, with conflicting ore richness. After some research, the general consensus is that the differing vein was altered by the hottest geothermal ore veins over the most aggressively folded zones. This greatly altered one of the central parallel veins while allowing the "flatter", surrounding veins to maintain similar geological makeups.
Casapalca Mine also has another interesting feature: bisecting the primary vein is a parallel deposit that, for all intents and purposes, should not be there. This other vein does not match the stratigraphy of the surrounding formation, with conflicting ore richness. After some research, the general consensus is that the differing vein was altered by the hottest geothermal ore veins over the most aggressively folded zones. This greatly altered one of the central parallel veins while allowing the "flatter", surrounding veins to maintain similar geological makeups.
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.
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.
SPECIES
Sphalerite, Chalcopyrite, Pyrite & Calcite var. Manganoan Calcite
LOCATION
Casapalca Mine, Huarochiri Province, Lima Department, Peru
SIZE
5.15 x 4.6 x 3.2"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#209801
