Dolomite

This beautiful cabinet specimen of pearly Dolomite is from Aughamore quarry in County Sligo, Ireland, an operating limestone quarry known for its fine specimens of Dolomite, Calcite, Quartz and Chalcopyrite.  The Dolomite forms long curved crystals to 1.5 cm, often built from a composite assemblage of smaller crystals whose adjacent terminations overlap, similar to the inter-leaved roofs of the Sydney Opera House.  The Dolomite crystals are so well defined and razor sharp that their texture is that of hackly metal.  All crystals are a rich cream, the colour of thick clotted cream, and with a wonderfully aesthetic pearlescent lustre.  A beautiful Dolomite from Aughamore quarry.