Mineral Species: Calcite

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 group of white Calcite crystals. All have an elongated columnar habit and are fused along their longitudinal axis. The sharp dog-tooth terminations thus appear at both ends as irregular combs. On the surface are small crystals of Pyrite. The Calcite group is attached to a sinle large crystal of cream-coloured Mocrocline. An interesting and aesthetic combination.

Location: Bayan Obo , Baotou League, Inner Mongolia, China.