Golden Calcite Crystal – Elmwood Mine, Tennessee, USA

An impressive doubly-terminated calcite crystal specimen from the famous Elmwood Mine near Carthage, Tennessee - an American classic locality celebrated for producing exceptional calcite specimens.

This substantial crystal (8.3 kg!) displays a beautiful transparent to translucent golden colouration, with broad, highly reflective crystal faces and striking geometric form. Subtle variations from nearly colourless through warm honey-gold along the gemmy crystal edges give the specimen considerable depth when viewed under changing light. The specimen is a complex, doubly-terminated crystal with only minor nicks on a couple of edges and none on the primary points. There appears to be a a contact where a smaller calcite crystal may have been removed (probably for aesthetic reasons) but is difficult to notice and does not distract. There is sphalerite attached to one side of the crystal.

This was one of Bill Rouslin's prized specimens in his large collection and was acquired decades ago while he was still living in the USA. The specimen is accompanied by a modest wood base and an older label from the Jeffrey Mining Co that was based in Memphis, TN.

Minerals: Calcite
Locality: Elmwood Mine, Carthage, Tennessee, USA
Crystal System: Trigonal
Mineral Class: Carbonate
Provenance: Ex Bill Rouslin; accompanied by Jeffrey Mining Co. label
Dimensions: 27 × 15 × 9 cm