Calcite from Bleiwäsche, Sauerland – Large Scalenohedral Crystals

This Calcite from the Bleiwäsche quarry in the Sauerland region of Germany shows several clearly developed, pointed scalenohedral crystals. Particularly striking are the two large, closely adjacent scalenohedra, which give the specimen its distinctive and compact appearance.

The specimen measures 8 × 7 × 5 cm and weighs 232.9 g. It is therefore classified as a Cabinet specimen. The Calcite crystals are predominantly covered by a thin beige to light-brown coating. In some areas, the grey to colorless Calcite underneath is exposed.

Clearly developed Calcite scalenohedra

The crystals show a clearly recognizable scalenohedral habit with elongated, pointed crystal faces. Several Calcite scalenohedra are densely intergrown and form a compact crystal group.

The Calcite appears grey to colorless and is largely covered by the thin beige-brown coating. Only individual exposed areas are locally translucent. The coating follows the crystal faces and still allows the characteristic shape of the scalenohedra to remain clearly visible.

The beige-brown coating is probably also Calcite. However, since no analytical examination has been carried out, this identification is deliberately not stated as confirmed.

Calcite from the Bleiwäsche quarry in the Sauerland

The Bleiwäsche quarry in the Sauerland region is a well-known regional mineral locality in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Calcite occurs there in different crystal forms and can be associated with other minerals of the local mineralization.

This specimen is particularly notable for its clearly recognizable scalenohedral crystal form. With a size of 8 cm and several closely intergrown crystals, it represents a characteristic collector specimen from a German locality.