Calcite Crystal Cluster, Mexico

TOURMALINE, variety UVITE. The crystal has dark brown color with a hint of red on one of the edges. Red Uvite crystals are far less common then green ones. Luster is vitreous. The crystal is 1.4 inch in length. The white crystals are Calcite rhombohedrons. From the Brumado area of Bahia, Brazil.

UVITE is a member of the Tourmaline group. It is a calcium, magnesium, aluminum, boro-silicate mineral. The crystal system is Trigonal. Hardness is 7 – 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Uvite occurs primarily in calcium- and boron-rich, metamorphic and skarn-type environments. In 2020, the International Mineralogical Association redefined Uvite as two separate minerals that are end-members of a solid-solution series: Uvite now refers to the hydroxyl-dominant end-member, while Fluor-uvite is the correct name for the fluorine-dominant end-member.

Location: Pomba pit, Serra das Éguas, Brumado, Bahia, Brazil

Metaphysical properties: Uvite diminishes fears and promotes self-confidence, awakens one from illusions, brings an awareness of reality, and enhances fortitude.

Specimen size: 1.4 x 1.3 x 0.8 inches

Specimen weight: 20 grams (0.7 ounces)

Cluster of emerald-green DIOPTASE crystals with white Calcite crystals. The largest dioptase crystal is 0.4 inches long. Luster is adamantine. Crystals are rhombohedral shape. The specimen is from the famous TSUMEB Mine in Namibia.

Cluster of bipyramidal CALCITE crystals with a maroon color, most likely from inclusions of iron. The largest crystal is 1.5 inches in length. The specimen is museum size, 6.1 inches in length. This specimen is from the collection of Roger Maynard. Roger is a friend and was a long-time geologist with the US Geological Survey.

This piece glitters! Stunning color contrast of green Siderite “Blades” with brassy iridescent Chalcopyrite, whitish Calcite, and gray Tetrahedrite crystals in this specimen. The green blades of Siderite in this piece are very rare! Several of the Siderite blades are at least 0.5 inch long. The Calcite crystals are flattened and translucent. The luster of the Siderite is vitreous while the Chalcopyrite and Tetrahedrite have a brilliant metallic luster.

Cluster of large, green, translucent FLUORITE crystals with several CALCITE crystals. The Fluorite fluoresces Blue under long-wave UV light. Specimen is 6.1 inches in length. Largest Fluorite cube is 3.5 inches long. All Fluorite crystals have beveled edges, usually with etching. This specimen is from the collection of Roger Maynard. Roger is a friend and was a long-time geologist with the US Geological Survey.

Museum-size Beryl variety Goshenite, with Scheelite and Calcite on Muscovite combo