Detailed information
Species
Calcite, var. Sand Calcite
Dimensions
24 x 22 x 31
mm
Weight
10 g
Locality
Fontainebleau Seine-et-Marne Ile-de-France, France
Condition
No recorded repairs
This small miniature specimen is such an iconic European classic from France. It is a 'Sand Calcite' found at Fontainebleau to the south of Paris and seen in virtually every important early 18th century European mineral collection. This bizarre form of Calcite, where grains of sand are incorporated into its structure, has remarkably not been seen anywhere else quite like this, but at Fontainebleau, crystal-lined caves are preserved from this amazing find. Specimens only become available through the recycling of older collections and this one comes from the superb systematic collection assembled by brothers Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021). The Calcite crystals display the classic round edged rhombic form typical of Fontainebleau.