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Fluorite & Calcite

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MGR705811

Fluorite & Calcite

Classic Locality

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
Artenberg Quarry, Steinach, Freiburg Region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Class: 
Crystals on Matrix
Size Range: 
Small cabinet (7-10 cm)
Size: 
7.6 × 6.7 × 6.5 cm
Description

The Artenberg quarry is a small gneiss quarry in Black Forest – one which is still operating (most quarries and mines are closed since decades). Usually it produce Quartz and Calcite but Field collecting is strictly prohibited. 
Artenberg is even more exceptional since there was nearly no Fluorite – and if, not larger than 3 to 5mm. Also the habit is exceptional for the whole region – no cubes, there are octahedral crystals. There was one discovery that produced crystals in a size, which is worth to mention. This is one of the best.
The specimen shows one isolated crystal – an octahedron; 23mm across. It is resting on light Calcite crystals (which show a touch of pink color) on gneiss matrix. The crystal shows a pale green color. The faces are on satiny luster and they show micro texture (as you can see on the close-up photo). An outstanding rarity in excellent condition.

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Fluorite

Formula: 
CaF2
Strunz: 
3.AB.25
Crystal System: 
Isometric
Hardness: 
4.0
Streak: 
White
Type Locality: 
Jáchymov (St Joachimsthal), Jáchymov District (St Joachimsthal), Krušné Hory Mts (Erzgebirge), Karlovy Vary Region, Bohemia (Böhmen; Boehmen), Czech Republic

Calcite

Polymorph of: 
Formula: 
CaCO3
Strunz: 
5.AB.05
Crystal System: 
Trigonal
Hardness: 
3.0
Streak: 
White