Calcite on Smoky Quartz - Specimen

Locality: Baia Mare mining district, Maramureș County, Romania

The Baia Mare district lies in the Gutâi Mountains of northern Romania, part of the volcanic arc on the inner side of the Carpathians. Volcanic activity built these mountains between about 15.4 and 7 million years ago, and the hydrothermal fluids linked to it left hundreds of gold-silver and lead-zinc veins. The Main Vein of the Baia Sprie mine, 8 km long, is the longest ore vein in Europe.

Mining around Baia Mare is documented with certainty from the 13th and 14th centuries, and the late 15th century brought a first boom in gold and silver mining. More than 20 mines were still working the district's veins until 2007, and two of its deposits, Cavnic and Baia Sprie, are classed as world-class.

Smoky quartz gets its colour from aluminium. In all smoky quartz a little aluminium takes the place of silicon, but the colour only appears once the crystal has been irradiated. Natural radiation over geological time removes an electron from an oxygen atom next to an aluminium ion, creating a colour centre that absorbs light and gives the typical smoky brown. With enough aluminium and intense radiation the quartz turns completely black, the variety called morion, and heating removes the colour.

This one of a kind Calcite on Smokey Quartz specimen from Romania features a striking cluster of dark smoky brown to gray Quartz crystals with sharp, glassy terminations and strong natural luster. The Quartz points vary in size, with larger prominent crystals rising above smaller clustered growths, creating a bold and dimensional display surface. White to cream-colored Calcite appears across the specimen in crusted, sparkling formations and curved drusy accents, creating a beautiful contrast against the darker Smokey Quartz. Small brassy metallic flecks are also visible in areas, adding extra visual interest and a rich collector-quality character.

Chemical Composition: Calcite: CaCO3, Quartz: SiO2

Quantity: 1pc
With this product, you will get the actual stone in the photograph.