Spherical Calcite on Basalt - Campomorto Quarry, Italy

A distinctive Italian specimen featuring numerous translucent pale yellow calcite spheres lining a shallow cavity in dark basalt. Several rounded aggregates rise prominently above the matrix, while smaller calcite balls are scattered across the sparkling brown cavity surface.

This spherical calcite habit is characteristic of the Campomorto Quarry, where calcite formed as secondary mineralization within vesicles and cavities in volcanic basalt. The bright yellow spheres create an attractive contrast against the dark, rugged matrix.

One of my absolute favourite specimens recently obtained from friend and follow Calgary collector, Steve Potvin. Thanks Steve!

Mineral: Calcite
Locality: Campomorto Quarry, Pietra Massa Locality, Montalto di Castro, Viterbo Province, Lazio, Italy
Crystal System: Trigonal
Mineral Class: Carbonate
Provenance: Ex Steve Potvin Collection
Dimensions: 6 cm × 7 cm × 4.5 cm