Calcite Mineral

Whole Specimen
13"/33cm long
9.5"/24.1cm across

Largest Scalenohedral Calcite (point)
7.5"/19cm long

Weight
10Kg

RRP:120.00 GBP

Acrilic Base Not Included in Sale

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Description

Fine Calcite Mineral; Large specimen. Mineral Modern Classics The modern age Mineral collecting began during the 1960s with active exploration by collectors and with the advent of microminerology. One od the major finds in Wales was a discovery of coarsely crystallized Pyromorphite underground in Bwlch-glas mine, ner Tal-y-bont, in North Ceredigion.

The richest specimens are without question the finest examples of this Mineral from Wales and the very best are comparable to classic specimens from the Caldbeck Fells and Cornwall. Some of the earlier samples were sold by Mineral dealers as from Plynlimon, the highest hill in the area. Unfortunately, specimens were then relabelled as from Plynlimon Mine resulting in confusion over the exact source. Plynlimon mine has never produced specimens-quality pyromorphite.

In South Wales, the southern outcrop of Carboniferous Limestone has long been known to produce large Calcite Crystals, of varying forms. However, it was not until the 1970s that the increasingly larges quarries start to produce exceptional specimens.

The enormous Taffs Well Quarry, which has hollowed out Little Garth Hill, is the locality that most people have heard of. From the 1920s to the 1970s, it was known as Walnut Tree Quarry, then Steetley Quarry after the name of the operating company.

The largest Calcite Crystals are known to exceed 30cm in length. In general, the larger crystal, the more overgrowth there is and the uglier they become. However, for sheer size these Calcites are British Classics.

Across much of Wales, the legacy of mining has left its mark in the form of mine tips, derelict buildings and surface scars, such as opencast workings and mine shafts. Underground, secondary post-mining Minerals continue to form on the sides of the old mine tunnels where chemical reactions are taking place caused by the introduction of oxygen from the atmosphere through these man-made voids. Flowstones containing base metals are particularly prominent.

Composition

CaCO3

Technical Name

Scalenohedral Calcite; Freeform Calcite Crystal/ Calcite Mineral

Type

Calcite

Other Nomenclature

Red Calcite, British Calcite, Large Calcite, Colossal Calcite, Welsh calcite, Calcite from South Wales, scalenohedral Calcite,

Location

Taffs Well Quarry, near Cardiff, South Wales, UK

RRP:120.00 GBP