Calcite ps. after Ikaite (rare Alaska locale!)

Item Description

A rare and striking Alaska pseudomorph from the North Slope - and frankly how many Alaska minerals do you see anyways?!... Calcite has replaced a sculptural 360-degree cluster of Ikaite scalenohedrons. Viewed veritcally, the arborrescent piece resembles a pine tree. Rare Ikaite is a hydrated calcium carbonate (calcite). It forms in sea water and lake water in anerobic, organic-rich periglacial and glaciomarine environments near 0°C, readily converting to calcite at higher temperatures (MINDAT). A large sharp 3.5 cm scalenohedron dominates the piece. One side is covered with organic-rich platy clay matrix, adding contrast and character and explaining the depositional environment. Complete all-around and pristine, the attachment is at one end. Formerly in the Jeanne Mager Collection. Ex Tom Wolfe Calcite Collection (1980s-2000s). A rare and fascinating Alaska pseudomorph and a must for the species or USA collector.