Calcite

specimen number:
2063795

location:
Shullsburg, Lafayette Co., Wisconsin, USA

description:
A classic specimen for the species and locality, a previous colorless scalenohedral crystal of calcite, this hosting stacked large rhombohedral crystals on top. In good condition all around. The crystals are lustrous and mostly transparent. The specimen comes with a previous label from the collection of Ray DeMark.

Shullsburg, Wisconsin, located in Lafayette County within the Upper Mississippi Valley Zinc-Lead District, is renowned among mineral collectors for its distinctive calcite occurrences. Geologically, low-temperature hydrothermal fluids moving through fractured Ordovician limestone and dolomite deposited primary sulfide ores alongside associated secondary mineral pocket growth. Unlike localities known for twinned or deeply colored calcites, typical Shullsburg specimens are primarily untwinned, featuring clear to colorless or pale translucent scalenohedra. These central scalenohedral crystals are often recognized for unique composite growths, including fine stair-stepped rhombohedral overgrowths or sharp terminal caps. Found alongside dark sphalerite, galena, and marcasite matrix, classic calcite specimens recovered prior to the closure of local underground mines in 1979 remain highly valued historical representations of Midwestern regional mineralogy.

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