Calcite

Calcite from Pilton Quarry, Pilton, Queensland, Australia, measuring 95 × 68 × 65 mm and weighing 100 grams. The named quarry gives this specimen a specific Queensland identity within one of the most widely collected mineral species. Its nearly 100 mm maximum dimension also provides a clear sense of its scale for a cabinet or locality display.

Calcite is calcium carbonate, and its wide range of geological occurrences is part of its enduring appeal. It can develop in sedimentary settings, mineral veins and altered rocks, with local conditions influencing the forms in which it grows. That variety rewards collectors who keep detailed locality records rather than treating all Calcite as interchangeable material.

Pale honey-coloured, pointed crystals diverge from the centre of the group. Their elongated, tapering forms give the specimen an energetic outline, with spaces between the crystals helping each one remain visible. It is a pleasing subject for anyone who enjoys crystal architecture, where a familiar species is appreciated through the particular way its crystals gather together. The provenance is the Anne McDonald Collection. That collection link accompanies the quarry locality and measurements, preserving the information that distinguishes this specimen within a wider Calcite catalogue. For a Queensland mineral collection, a well-labelled quarry specimen can be a satisfying reminder that familiar minerals offer plenty of interest when their individual sources and collecting histories remain intact.