5.7" Gemmy, Twinned Calcite Crystals - Cumberland Mine, Tennessee

This is a beautiful, 5.7" long cluster of large, twinned calcite crystals from the Cumberland Mine in Smith Coutny, Tennessee. These large crystals are a light honey color and exhibit wonderful luster. There is some chipping on some of the large crystals, which is reflected in the much lower price.

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.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Calcite
LOCATION
Cumberland Mine, Smith County, Tennessee
SIZE
5.7 x 4.2"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#103954