Quartz and calcite cluster

Quartz and calcite clusterLocale: Potos Mine, Santa Eulalia, Chihuahua, Mexico Approx dimensions: 5 x 3 x 1. 5" Approx weight: 420g This quartz and calcite specimen from the Potos Mine is one of my favorites I've seen from this locale. There are two large calcite rhombs and a spherical formation covered in quartz tinted brown yellow with iron. On top are pellet like calcites that look like brown rice. Where better formed, they are small dogtooth calcite points. Quartz points

Locale: Potosí Mine, Santa Eulalia, Chihuahua, Mexico

Approx dimensions: 5 x 3 x 1.5"

Approx weight: 420g

This quartz and calcite specimen from the Potosí Mine is one of my favorites I've seen from this locale. There are two large calcite rhombs and a spherical formation covered in quartz tinted brown-yellow with iron. On top are pellet-like calcites that look like brown rice. Where better-formed, they are small dogtooth calcite points.

Quartz points sprout out around this formation. The larger crystals display milky white phantoms inside colorless quartz. They have alligator growth forms, commonly known as "elestial" quartz, beautifully emphasized by yellow iron staining and interspersed with clusters of calcite teeth. Black iron inclusions pepper the quartz, appearing as rings, strings, or spots under magnification (you can see it if you zoom in on close shots!).

UV reactivity Under 365nm UV light, the bottom of the specimen clearly shows the rhombohedral growth of the calcite structures on the front side. It has strong orange-red fluorescence with brief phosphorescence. The smaller calcite rice grains fluoresce a lighter orange-red.

** Brittle warning: Be careful putting pressure on crystals along the edge as they may dislodge from the specimen.