4.3" Orange Cave Calcite (Aragonite) Formation - Peru

This is a beautiful formation of orange aragonite (aka cave calcite), collected from the Pachacayo Mine in Junín, Peru. When viewing the mineral under short and long wave UV, this specimen fluoresces a faint, white-yellow color. Following extended UV exposure, the aragonite displays phosphorescent properties that remain for a short time.

It comes with an acrylic display stand.

Cave calcite is not actually calcite but a formation of aragonite crystals. Calcite and aragonite are both carbonates with the same chemical formula (CaCO3), but different crystal structures and symmetries.

Cave calcite forms underground due to groundwater deposition. While it often forms stalactites and stalagmites on cave ceilings and floors, it can also form as unique, branching, tree-like structures. These beautiful formations are sometimes known as ‘floss ferri’ (flowers of iron) and frostwork.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Aragonite
LOCATION
Pachacayo Mine, Huancayo City, Junín, Peru
SIZE
4.3 x 2.8"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#174536