Mendipite, Calcite, Mg-oxides, etc (Type Locality area)

Item Description

Very cool look and interesting complex paragenesis (the sequence in which the minerals are formed in an ore deposit) on this sculptural large specimen from this well-known English limestone quarry, near the Type Locality for Mendipite, a rare Pb-oxyhalide. A 2.0 x 2.0 cm cluster of pearly luster, stacked/columnar stair-stepped pink Mendipite lathes is encased in a pod of glassy calcite on the left side. A narrow "straight" of calcite leads to another impressive calcite pod on the upper right. The two peninsulas separating the calcite pods and the artistic layered bed at the base are manganese oxides. Bright brick-red hematite and glassy calcite on the upper left manganese oxide peninsula preferentially covers some of the manganese, adding a strikingly colorful component and lustre to the piece. The back and base of the piece has its own fine sculptural quality, with the manganese oxide matrix hosting contrasting calcite pods and veins, some with preferential hematite coating. Neon-pink SW UV fluorescence on the calcite! Highly unusual, RARE and striking large combination material from this well-known locale. Valued at $1000-1200.