Calcite

specimen number:
8311230

location:
Tonglushan Mine, Daye Co., Hubei, China

description:

A gorgeous grouping of lustrous gemmy red calcite crystals measuring to 4.0 cm in size coming nicely off matrix. This is in excellent condition all around.

The Tonglushan Mine, located in the Daye County of Hubei Province, China, is a massive copper and iron skarn deposit with a history of extraction spanning over 3,000 years. Geologically, the site formed as quartz diorite porphyry intruded into Triassic limestones, creating large hydrothermal cavities where minerals could crystallize. Around 2019, the mine produced a spectacular find of world-class calcite specimens that were highly unusual for the locality. These crystals are celebrated for their incredible gem-like clarity and glass-like luster, appearing as sharp, well-formed rhombohedrons that range from perfectly colorless to a vibrant, deep red. Historically, while the site is an iconic archaeological landmark for ancient smelting, modern industrial mining began in the 1960s and continues to the present day. These red and colorless calcites are now regarded as some of the most aesthetic and high-quality examples of the species to emerge from China in recent years.

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