Calcite (GEM crystals)

Item Description

A fantastic small cabinet sized display specimen from this lesser-known limestone quarry which lies, "2 km north of Bad Grund and about 7.5 km WNW of Clausthal-Zellerfeld" according to the entry on mindat.org. This is certainly the finest Calcite we've ever had to offer in the auctions from this locality, and its quality is two-fold. First, the crystals themselves are GEM QUALITY, with optic clarity in areas, and a pure colorless hue that makes them look glassy and jewel-like. Secondly, the Calcites have a distinctive "stepped" growth running the length of the crystals, culminating with beautiful "teeth"-like formations on the terminations. This habit/style is possibly to due either a bit of etching or exaggerated growth on certain faces, but the effect is dramatic, beautiful and unique! The largest Calcite measures 3.4 cm, and there really is no matrix, just a sold group of these choice and eye-catching Calcites. This is as good as almost anything I can remember seeing from the locality, and it's not just a specialized German Calcite, it has great appeal for any fan of worldwide Calcites. Don't miss out on this one, it's a great piece for what it is. Valued $2,500.
From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#522 D), a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection for the foreseeable future through our various platforms.