Calcite on Goethite Stalactites

Item Description

This is an old classic style of gorgeous Mexican calcite, that came out in the 1980s. It is a specimen from the Dick Heck collection of Mexican minerals. Dick was one of the first connoisseur collectors of the Midwest, somebody who at the time valued minerals for quality and condition and aesthetics - and paid a premium for these qualities at a time when many were not so picky or well funded. His Mexican collection was legendary for quality, when I was growing up in Ohio in the 1980s, and he bought all the finest stuff. He had deep contacts in Mexico. This is a really sparkling specimen with pristine calcite crystals to 2.5 cm - and some of them are twinned (including the biggest)! The calcites are glassy and sparkly and rest on rising goethite stalactites. It is complete all around, pristine except only a few tips. Dick's classic wine-cork pedestal base is glued at bottom, so it sits safely for display. This is a stunning piece in person, and a time capsule from Mexican mineral collecting in the glory days. Valued $1500-plus. This collection had disappeared from the market for nearly 20 years!