Yellow Calcite on Matrix from Pune, India

This calcite specimen comes from the Pune area in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Several pale yellow to lemon-yellow calcite crystals sit on a contrasting white matrix with locally visible dark host rock.

The visual focal point is a large calcite crystal with a distinct, pointed termination. Together with several smaller crystals arranged along its sides, it forms a three-dimensional crystal group. The largest calcite crystal measures approximately 3.4 × 3.4 cm.

Pale Yellow Crystals with a Distinctive Form

The calcite crystals are translucent and display smooth, strongly reflective crystal faces. The dominant main crystal stands out clearly from the white matrix through its size, color, and exposed position.

Parts of the matrix extend locally into the calcite group, preserving the natural connection between the crystals and their substrate. The white associated minerals have not been identified in greater detail and are therefore described neutrally as matrix material.

Measuring 6.7 × 5.0 × 3.5 cm and weighing 92.1 g, the specimen belongs to the small cabinet size category.

Strong Fluorescence under Long-Wave UV Light

A notable feature of this specimen is the strong fluorescence of the calcite under long-wave UV light. The yellow calcite crystals display an intense greenish to yellowish fluorescence. The large main crystal reacts particularly strongly and appears very bright in places under UV illumination.

The violet to pink areas visible in the UV photograph are caused by the incident UV light and its reflections. The white matrix itself shows no visible fluorescence.

The pronounced difference between the appearance under normal light and under UV illumination gives the specimen additional mineralogical and visual interest. The combination of a large yellow calcite crystal, pale matrix, dark host-rock areas, and strong long-wave UV fluorescence makes this an attractive Indian collector’s specimen.