Description: Yellow Botryoidal Calcites on Basalt Matrix, Campomorto Quarry, Pietra Massa Locality, Montalto di Castro, Viterbo Province, Lazio, Italy, 2.9x2.6x1.3 cm Description: · Large thumbnail specimen of gorgeous botryoidal yellow calcites, clustered on a sturdy dark volcanic basalt matrix, giving it a nice and stark overall contrast· Very rare and hard to find, especially from this locale in Italy as the quarry is closed · Source: Campomorto Quarry, Pietra Massa Locality, Montalto di Castro, Viterbo Province, Lazio, Italy· Size: Overall – approximately 2.9 x 2.6 x 1.3 cm; largest individual calcite measures approximately 0.5 cm in diameter!· Condition: Good, on display in cabinet only.A rare Italian classic masterpiece of botryoidal yellow calcites, very aesthetic and lustrous, a signature formation habit of calcites from this famed locale at the Campomorto Quarry, Montalto di Castro, Viterbo Province, Lazio, Italy. This featured specimen is a large thumbnail size specimen and it is unlike any other typical forms of calcites. This famed locality has the distinction of producing some of the most unusual yet iconic Calcite specimens, between botryoidal and spheroidal in form and the largest one being approximately 0.5 cm in diameter is more spheroidal in nature. For a thumbnail specimen, these calcites really pack a punch in its form and size. This specimen has several translucent yellow balls of calcites and are set against a dark, and sturdy volcanic basalt. The luster is peculiar “velvety” one that defies description, possibly because the Calcite is translucent, allowing light from behind the specimen to pass through the spheres. The interiors of the two other spheres have been exposed on the backside when they were broken away from the surrounding Basalt. The color of this specimen is also very different and unique as it has a certain overtone that gives it a very distinctive look. The "Basalt" of Campomorto Quarry is also a dense, hard and tough rock, which makes this specimen very sturdy and safe to handle. Such a rare calcite specimen and the distinguishing characteristics certainly speak for itself, plus it is now hard to find, from a famed locality that is no longer in operation. Certainly, a one-of-a kind collector’s item that is a must have in any mineral collection. It shows and displays very well plus it is also very sturdy. This fascinating thumbnail specimen can be yours for $15 plus shipping and handling. Specimen Background information: Calcite in general belongs to the calcite group of minerals and are composed of calcium carbonate, sometimes with impurities of iron, magnesium, or manganese, and occasionally zinc and cobalt. All members of the calcite group crystallize in the trigonal system, have perfect rhombohedral cleavage, and exhibit strong double refraction in transparent rhombohedrons. They occur in a great variety of shapes and colors, and often constitute a major portion of many of the earth's rocks. Colors range from colorless to white, yellow, brown, orange, pink, red, purple, blue, green, gray, black or even multicolored. The calcite crystals can be transparent to opaque. Crystals may be tabular, acicular, prismatic, flaky, and needle-like. May occur as bundles of scalenohedrons, intergrown rhombohedrons, or they can be hair-like masses of acicular crystals, grainy, stalactitic, fibrous, massive, and earthy. However, for this featured specimen, it is unlike any other standard forms of calcites. The three important crystal habits (distinctive shapes of the mineral) of calcite are: (1) prismatic (both short and long), (2) rhombohedral, and (3) scalenohedral. However, this calcite specimen from this famed locale at the Campomorto Quarry in Italy takes on a different formation habit – botryoidal and spheroidal in nature. Note: **All specimens are taken in natural and regular lighting only. This featured specimen looks better in person in order to appreciate the true natural color, translucency, form, shape, structure and the luster of the well-defined surfaces of the calcites. Color may be a little different due to the color calibration of each individual monitor or light levels. **As with all genuine mineral specimens, there may be natural occurring inclusions, cleavages, formations, impressions, surface imperfections, including incomplete growths, etc. We have posted close up pictures at all angles for your viewing pleasure in this listing, to show you the fine details, color, form, structure, and overall beauty of this fine specimen. **We will only ship to the 48 contiguous U.S. states (No International). **All orders ship within 3-5 business days after receiving cleared payment. Returns accepted ONLY if item is not as described or shown and must be in the condition it was received. A 10% re-stocking fee will be charged. All returns must be made within 7 calendar days upon receipt of item and buyer pays for return shipping. No returns or refunds are accepted after this time period. All returns must be in original packaging and shipped with Tracking and Insured for full value of the item. Please provide shipping info – shipper, tracking number - to us when package is sent back. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions. Please also visit our other listings. Thank you for stopping by and do come back again.
Price: 15 USD
Location: Sacramento, California
End Time: 2024-09-13T04:47:26.000Z
Shipping Cost: 4.25 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Country/Region of Manufacture: Italy
