Calcite

specimen number:
2013595

location:
Berry Materials Corp. Quarry, North Vernon, Indiana, USA

description:
A mostly loose amber colored lustrous and mostly gemmy double terminated crystal of calcite little attached matrix on the base. In super condition.

The Berry Materials Corporation Quarry, located in North Vernon, Jennings County, Indiana, is a significant industrial site well-known to mineralogists for its high-quality calcite specimens. Geologically, the quarry excavates Middle Devonian carbonate rocks, specifically the North Vernon Limestone and the Jeffersonville Limestone, which were deposited in a warm, shallow marine environment. Within these layers, localized hydrothermal activity or groundwater circulation created vugs and cavities where spectacular calcite crystals precipitated. These specimens are famous for their aesthetic, amber-colored to honey-yellow scalenohedral crystals, which often exhibit excellent clarity and sharp, well-defined faces, sometimes found in association with smaller pyrite or marcasite inclusions. Historically, the quarry has been a long-standing producer of crushed stone and aggregate for regional construction, with active industrial operations dating back several decades. While the primary focus remains the production of limestone for commercial use, the site gained international recognition among collectors during the late 20th century for the exceptional size and luster of its calcite clusters. Access is strictly controlled due to active mining operations, but specimens from this locality remain staples of Midwest mineral collections.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.