2.9" Hematite Included Calcite and Roselite Association - Morocco

This is a gorgeous, 2.9" tall association of hematite included calcite crystals and magenta roselite that was collected from Morocco. The colorless exterior of calcite appears to have formed over hematite encrusted, scalenohedral calcite crystals. Small roselite crystals can be found scattered throughout the specimen. The base of the dolomite matrix has been cut flat, allowing for aesthetic presentation without the need of a display stand.

Roselite is an arsenate mineral in the monoclinic crystal system. It gained its name not from the rose color it generally exhibits, but was in fact named in honor of a German mineralogist by the name of Gustav Rose. However, the name is quite fitting, since roselite typically displays a vitreous rose-red to pink color. Darker crystals have been known to frequently display marked color zoning due to variations in molecular composition.

Roselite has the chemical formula Ca2Co(AsO4)2 · 2H2O, meaning it contains arsenic. While it doesn't pose an immediate health risk from purely handling, ingestion in significant amounts and/or crushing and inhaling roselite can be toxic. For this reason, we suggest washing hands after handling and keeping out of reach of children.

Calcite, CaCO3, is a carbonate mineral and the most stable polymorph of calcium carbonate. The other polymorphs are the minerals aragonite and vaterite. Calcite crystals are trigonal-rhombohedral, though actual calcite rhombohedra are rare as natural crystals. However, they show a remarkable variety of habits including acute to obtuse rhombohedra, tabular forms, and prisms. Calcite exhibits several twinning types adding to the variety of observed forms. It may occur as fibrous, granular, lamellar, or compact. Cleavage is usually in three directions parallel to the rhombohedron form.


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DETAILS
SPECIES
Calcite & Roselite
LOCATION
Bou Azer District, Morocco
SIZE
2.9 x 2.7"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#130805