Calcite on Quartz and Pyrite

This beautiful and sculptural large cabinet specimen of thin, elegant, bladed Calcite on Quartz and Pyrite is from the Cavnic Mine in Maramureș, Romania, one of Europe’s most famous and enigmatic localities.  The mining town of Cavnic dates to 1336 but is believed to have been worked back in ancient history.  This polymetallic deposit has produced countless fine specimens and is a great favourite amongst mineral collectors.  One central, vertical-standing plate of light biscuit tan Calcite measures approximately 15 x 7 x 0.5 cm, from which four smaller yet similar wafers of platy Calcite branch, also vertical or sub-vertical to the base.  The base is that of Quartz, over which gorgeous, acicular needles of delicate, colourless transparent Quartz crystals grow to 1.8 cm tall.  These are dusted with micro-crystals of biscuit-tan Calcite and bright metallic Pyrite crystals to about 1.5 mm.  A showy and enchanting Calcite with Quartz and Pyrite from this historic and important mining district.