Mineral Species: Calcite on Quartz
Chemical Formula: CaCO3
Chemical Name: Calcium Carbonate
Mineral Class: Carbonate
Mineral Notes: Calcite is one of the commonest minerals, being the main constituent of limestone. Calcite is often fluorescent, a small amount of Managnese is enough to make it glow red under UV light. The mineral will bubble in acid distinguishing it from many similar species, even other carbonates which do not dissolve so easily in cold acids.
Description: A thin matrix of crystalline Pyrite on which sit numerous Quartz clusters. These, in turn are covered by tiny platy crystals of cream-coloured Calcite. The small size, together with a strong pearly luster, give rise to a very attractive scaly appearance. Amongst these spherical aggregates sits a large rhombohedral, traditional Calcite crystal as well. There are at least two smaller ones.
Location: Herja Mine, Romania.
