CALCITE PSEUDO after ANDRADITE
Calcite is a carbonate mineral and the most stable form of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). It is widely found, especially as a key element in limestone. With a hardness rating of 3 on the Mohs scale, calcite is assessed based on its ability to be scratched. Large crystals of calcite are utilized in optical devices, while limestone, primarily made up of calcite, serves a variety of purposes.
At first glance this specimen appears to be an ordinary calcite. However, the pictures show a different story. The shape looks like a garnet or magnetite. A closer look shows a hollow cast. So it is an epimorphic of calcite after andradite. This is the first and only find at this locality (Kara Mine, Hampshire, Tasmania) of this remarkable specimen from a mineralogical point of view.
Collection Crystals2Collect nr 2274-51 NFS