Calcite on Calcite from the Brilon Quarries, Germany

This calcite specimen comes from the Hartsteinwerke Brilon quarry in the Hochsauerland district of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Pale calcite crystals sit on an older, more massive calcite base.

The younger crystals form a three-dimensional group and show clearly defined crystal faces. Their color ranges from white to grayish-white. Some areas appear translucent. Depending on the lighting, the crystal surfaces show a weak to distinct vitreous luster.

Measuring 8.5 × 6.0 × 4.5 cm, the piece belongs to the cabinet specimen size category.

Calcite from the Brilon Mass Limestone

The Hartsteinwerke Brilon quarry is a documented mineral locality in the Sauerland region. Calcite is known from this quarry and occurs there together with other minerals in fractures and cavities within the carbonate rock.

The specimen shows younger calcite crystals growing on an older calcite generation. This creates a distinctly structured surface with several freely developed crystal areas.

The combination of multi-stage calcite growth, regional provenance, and typical carbonate matrix makes this piece a characteristic locality specimen from Brilon.