Calcite

specimen number:
8911238

location:
Meshberger Quarry, Columbus, Indiana, USA

description:
Classic cluster of glassy amber colored calcite crystals with little it attached matrix. These exhibit previous sharp scalenohedral crystals, with the second generation of gemmy calcite across the top, leaving the pointed top terminations free and outside the second generation crystallization. This is very typical of the locality. In excellent condition. The specimen comes with a previous label from the Alton collection, as well as a label from the collection of Joe Kielbaso.

The Meshberger Quarry, located near Columbus in Bartholomew County, Indiana, exposes Middle Devonian limestones and dolomites belonging to the Jeffersonville and Geneva formations. These carbonate rocks were deposited in a warm, shallow marine environment and host a notable suite of secondary mineralization within calcite-lined vugs and cavities. Mining at the site has long extracted high-purity limestone for crushed stone, aggregate, and agricultural lime, while simultaneously making the quarry famous among midwestern mineral collectors. The locality is particularly renowned for producing exceptional calcite crystals, often displaying scalenohedral habits and pale yellow to amber coloration, frequently associated with pyrite, marcasite, and fluorite. Over decades of active quarrying, specimens from this site have become classic staples of regional Indiana mineral collections.

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