Calcite (two generations) - old USA classic from 1960s

Shullsburg area, Lafayette Co., Wisconsin, USA
Small Cabinet, 8.5 x 6.5 x 6.2 cm
Start Time: 05/12/2022 7:00:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 05/19/2022 6:30:00 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed

Item Description

An OUTSTANDING, old-time, complete-all-around specimen of sceptered Calcite from the old lead-zinc mines at Shullsburg, Wisconsin. The broad scalenohedron that serves as the pedestal is abundantly overgrown with lustrous, rhombohedral Calcites in striking, parallel, stair-stepped growth. This complex crystal is capped by a transparent, highly lustrous, 6.2 cm Calcite crystal. This particular combination is definitive Shullsburg, and when backlit it shows the shadowy, first-generation phantom in spectacular fashion. Mere mention of the name 'Shullsburg' brings forth visions of these great and famous Calcites: with this small cabinet specimen being a very fine, aesthetic example of these true classics. Formerly in the extensive collection of W & A Cook. Mined and considered modern classics in the 1960s and into the 1970s perhaps, this is a rare find, seldom seen today. Valued $1000-1500