Calcite on Matrix, with Druzy Quartz Overgrowth
N'Chwaning Mines
Northern Cape, South Africa
12.3 cm x 8.2 cm x 6.8 cm
ex. Ashley and Gail Diack coll.
Here is quite an unusual specimen from the N'Chwaning mines in South Africa.
This is a grouping of large scalenohedral calcite crystals on
matrix that have been coated in druzy quarts crystals.
The calcite is most likely manganese bearing,
giving those areas a pinkish coloring coming through the druzy quartz.
The calcite is highly fluorescent in longwave UV lighting.
The specimen appears to be a floater, having total druzy quartz coverage.
The druzy quartz is not only covering all the crystals present,
but appears to be covering a manganese and hematite matrix,
giving it a reddish brown and brown look in different areas.
There are some unidentified large tabular and triangular brownish colored crystals also present,
but the druzy quartz coating makes in near impossible to identify them.
Possible large Hausmanite or Manganite crystals, but that is only a guess.
Old collection number attached and comes with the collection card.
Overall a very stunning and unusual specimen from these mines.
