Calcite

Back in 2003 a small find in the French Pyrenees brought gem quality calcites, rivaling the English in their clarity. They called them calcite diamonds.  I grabbed one and, since that time, have never seen another in the market. This miniature is fantastic as the central 3cm “diamond” stands up from the matrix. There is a depression on the top back from contact with another crystal, and growth interference on the bottom back, again from abutting a larger crystal mass. Upon inspection while listing I noted a twin plane re-enrant notch, so this is a twin to boot! These are not seen at all when viewing from the front.

Locality: Gave de Pau, Pyrenees, France

Composition: calcium carbonate