Calcite (var. sand calcite)

Name: Calcite (var. sand calcite)
SKU: 32564-PT
Availability: InStock

32564-PT Category: USA - Various Species and Localities

Custer, South Dakota

USA

Dimensions: 5.8x5.2x3.0 cm

Price: CA

$50.00

Sand calcites are a fascinating mineral oddity formed as calcite crystallizes in sandy soil, capturing sand particles during crystal growth. These crystals typically consist of approximately 40% calcite and 60% sand inclusions. They naturally occur as double-terminated, hexagonal scalenohedrons. The crystals are found within beds of coarse sandstone. This is a notable and very sculptural example of this phenomenon from South Dakota, USA. Other calcite sand concretions are known from only a few localities worldwide, including the Imperial Valley-Salton Sea area of California. This unique formation process and the resulting distinctive crystal morphology make sand calcites an intriguing subject of study in mineralogy.

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This specimen comes from the collection of Peter Tarassoff, a prominent figure in mineralogy, particularly known for his work at Mont Saint-Hilaire (MSH). His diligent collecting and examination efforts have led him to be the first to identify at least 35 species and discover 12 new species, not only at MSH but also at other alkaline localities. Dubbed the "Dean" of Mont Saint-Hilaire collectors, Peter was honoured with the naming of the new species petarasite in 1980. He has authored or co-authored numerous mineralogical articles and has been a member of the Mineralogical Association of Canada since 1964 and the Mineralogical Society of America for over 30 years. Additionally, Peter has volunteered at the Redpath Museum for the past 21 years. In recognition of his significant contributions to mineralogy, Dr. Peter Tarassoff was awarded the 2017 Pinch Medal by the Mineralogical Association of Canada.

Peter's dedication to systematic collecting, curating his collection, and maintaining an archive of detailed historical and scientific information has greatly benefited the mineral sciences community both in Canada and globally. All specimens from this collection come with the original P. Tarassoff collection label.

Note: All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD). International customers are charged in CAD, exchange rate is calculated automatically by your bank/paypal upon checkout.

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