Mina Aurora, Charcas, San Luis Potosi, Mexico

8.2 x 4.6 x 3.2 cm
3.2 x 1.8 x 1.3 in

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There are three aggregates of Calcite crystals; two are conjoined at one end of this specimen and the third at the other end of the specimen. The aggregates are composed of parallel orientated, double terminated crystals with a flattened habit. The color of the Calcite has a slight pink tint. There are bands of druze micro crystals running across the center of each aggregate. It is unclear what these crystals are since they are much too small to identify by sight even under 10x but are likely either a secondary growth of Calcie or Quartz. Under UV, the Manganoan Calcite fluoresces a vivid, light pink/orange (much more vividly under SW which was used for the picture). The central bands of micro crystals do not fluoresce; the blue color in the picture is more an artifice of the digital camera. The Calcite has a high glossy luster. The Calcite rests on a layer of white Quartz crystals which in turn rest on a mix of Sphalerite and Chalcopyrite crystals.

Condition: Very Good

Flaws: There are a few small internal cleaves in the Calcite crystals.

This mineral is also found in the following galleries: Minerals From Mexico | Calcite | Quartz | Sulfides and Sulfosalts | Fluorescents | Minerals Priced Between 50 and 99 Dollars