Calcite, Hematite
Posted by: macadmin on 05.14.2020 | Filed under:

Calcite, Hematite

Specimen # 200206
Mineral: Calcite, Hematite
Location: Calcite, Hematite, Santa Eulalia Mining District, Chihuahua, Mexico
Size: 11.2 x 7.0 x 4.0 cm

Description

Detailed Description

This is a particularly fine example of two generations of crystal growth. The first generation calcite crystals are sharp scalenohedra with good lustre – they have hematite phantoms inside and some thin hematite coatings in a few places. The next generation are translucent rhombohedra – they formed around and partially enclosing the first generation crystals, giving quite an effect. This is classic material, referred to as the example of two generations of crystal growth in John Sinkankas’ 1964 classic Mineralogy for Amateurs. Under short-wave UV light, the first generation crystals are vibrant orange and the second generation crystals are dark, making for a gorgeous piece – the first generation crystals are like bright glowing embers (photos 2, 7 and 8). In very good condition, a few small cleaves. A cool piece!

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About Steve Szilard

Steve Szilard is a well-known and highly respected Canadian mineral collector who began collecting in 1982. It may strike a chord with many of you that one of his first two mineral books was the Peterson Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals by Fred Pough – that was certainly true for me too (and my own copy sure looks as well used as it has been!). Steve is a skilled and accomplished field collector, having collected extensively in Ontario, as well as in almost all Canadian provinces and across the United States. Having travelled the world acquiring minerals in many countries, he has also attended many mineral shows – in particular, he has attended the Rochester Mineralogical Symposium for almost 30 years.  Steve has a long record of mineral community involvement and contribution, having been with the Walker Mineralogical Club in Toronto since 1985 (and a member of the executive for many of the years since then) – he has also been a member of the Scarborough Gem and Mineral Club, the Kawartha Rock and Fossil Club and the Canadian Micro Mineral Association. As you might expect, given his mineral collecting career, Steve is incredibly knowledgeable about minerals and many mineral-related subjects. He has always been kind and generous with his knowledge. Steve has enjoyed assisting in the activities of a great organization, the Young Toronto Mineralogists Club, including talks, using binocular microscopes, and field trips. It is a pleasure to be able to share his collection with you.