Mineral Species: Calcite on Galena

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: The Calcite is highly crystalline, forming numerous dog-tooth crystals on the upper surface. Below is a thick base of highly lustrous granular Galena. However at the back the Galena shows a very distinct layered form. The two forms of the ore, together with the Calcite make this a very unusual specimen.

Location: Tri-State, Missouri, USA.