Calcite

specimen number:
1052362

location:
Egremont, Cumbria, England, UK

description:
Classic old British specimen with glassy and gemmy crystals of calcite slightly pinkish in color due to the presence of hematite and measuring to 4.0 cm in height coming off matrix. Some damage is present as seen, the larger crystals are in good condition. The specimen dates to the 19th century and at one time was part of the collection of Wilhelm Hoyer. The specimen comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video.

Calcite from Egremont in Cumbria, England occurs in the West Cumberland iron field, a district historically worked for rich hematite iron ore deposits hosted in Carboniferous limestone. Mining expanded during the 19th century to supply iron for the growing British steel industry, and underground operations created cavities where calcite crystals could form. The calcite often occurs as well formed scalenohedral or twinned crystals associated with hematite and other secondary minerals. Specimens from Egremont are known among collectors for their crystal form and their association with this historic English iron mining district. Wilhelm Hoyer was a 19th century German mineral collector and dealer who was active during a period when systematic mineral collecting and scientific study were expanding across Europe. He handled and distributed mineral specimens from important mining regions such as the Harz Mountains and the Erzgebirge of Saxony. Hoyer supplied specimens to collectors, universities, and museums, and many minerals he sold were accompanied by printed or handwritten labels that are still recognized today. Original Hoyer labels are valued by collectors because they provide historical provenance for specimens from classic European mining districts.

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