Calcite Group Collection

Discosphaera tubifera, coccolithophore
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) showing the unicellular planktonic algae Discosphaera tubifera from the North Atlantic surrounded by a sphere of calcite plates - coccoliths

Franklinite, zinc ore
A granular rock composed of white calcite, dull green willemite, red zincite and black franklinite (Zinc Iron Manganese Oxide). See T00387 for a fluorescent view

Iceland spar
A specimen of Iceland spar from Rodefjord, Iceland. Transparent crystal composed of the mineral, calcite (calcium carbonate) which has unusual property of double refraction

Emiliana huxleyi, coccolith
Scanning electron microscope image of a complete sphere of coccoliths from modern oceans. These are thin calcite shells protecting the coccolithophore within

Plate 1 from Histoire naturelle? (1789)
Plate 1 Histoire Naturelle ou Mineralogie Complete, from Histoire naturelle: ou, Exposition des morceaux, les mieux choisis pour servir? (1789) by by Swebach Desfontaines

Rhodochrosite which means rose-coloured comprises of (manganese carbonate). This specimen originates South Africa

Emiliania huxleyi coccolithophores collected from a bloom in the SW Approaches to the English Channel in June 2004. Date: 2004

Gold
A specimen of the metal element, gold, from Hopes Nose near Torquay, Devon. A beautifully delicate dendritic growh in cream-coloured calcite, with brown weathered dolomite

Calcite (Calcium Carbonate) variant iceland spar
A cleaved rhomb of iceland spar showing double refraction from near Eskifjordr, Iceland

Chalcocite crystals C016 / 5658
Chalcocite (copper sulphife). Dull black twinned crystal with white calcite (schiefer spar). Specimen from the Levant mine, St. Just, Cornwall, UK

Silver wire
Found in the Kongsberg mines in Norway, this specimen still has its long wires attached to the white calcite in which they grew

Brasilia bradfordensis, ammonite
This Middle Jurassic ammonite has been sectioned to show its chambers with calcite crystals formed in some and hardened mud in others. The body chamber is missing

Ceratolithoides aculeus, coccolith
Scanning electron microscope image of an isolated coocolith from Cretaceous chalk. These are thin calcite shells protecting the coccolithophore within

Florosphaera profunda, coccolith
Scanning electron microscope image of a complete sphere of coccoliths from modern oceans. These are thin calcite shells protecting the coccolithophore within

Plate 42 from Mineralogie Volume 1 (1790)
Coupe de la corne d ammons don?t chacunes des cazes, renferme une variete particuliere du Spath calcaire. From Recuille complet de Mineralogie? vol.1 (1790) by F.L. Swebach Desfontaines

Quaternary fissure breccia
Watercolour drawing of a fissure breccia from the Quaternary period (Pleistocene Epoch or Ice Age), fossilised with mammalian bones. From a collection of original watercolour drawings, c

Fluorite, pale green octahedron
With calcite, galena and pyrite. Its properties include fluorescence and cubed crystals. Specimen from Glengowla East mine, Oughterard, Co. Galway, Eire

Coccoliths
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of coccoliths, these are the limestone scales surrounding the marine phytoplankton coccolithophores

Chalcosine
Dull black twinned crystal with white calcite (schiefer spar). From the Levant mine, St. Just, Cornwall, UK

Cenoceras pseudolineatus, nautiloid
A section cut and polished through Jurassic nautiloid from Dorset, UK. Shows the internal chambers filled or partly filled with calcite. Diameter 7cm

Franklinite, fluorescing
Ore of zinc fluorescing under ultra violet radiation: calcite - pink; willemite - green; zincite - blue; franklinite - black. See image number 388 for white light view

Micraster coranguinum, echinoid
This a common heart-shaped Cretaceous sea-urchin originates from the Upper Chalk. This specimen is preserved in its original calcite and its length is around 6cm

Amethyst, baryte dioptase, rhodochrosite
Amethyst, purple crystals from India. Baryte, long yellow prisms from Cumbria. Dioptase, green lustrous crusts from Namibia. Rhodochrosite, pink crystals on quartz

Axopodorhabdus albianus, coccolith
Scanning electron microscope image of a Cretaceous coccolith from Folkestone Chalk (x 10, 000 on a standard 9 cm wide print)

Calcite Iceland

Calcite group

Green calcite

Calcidiscus leptoporus and Syracolithus quadriperforatus, co
In this scanning electron micrograph, the transition of a life-cycle stage in Calcidiscus is shown from the outer cover to the inner layer. Specimen taken from W. Mediterranean

Emerald on calcite
Well-formed hexagonal crystals of emerald on calcite. Emerald is a variety of beryl (beryllium aluminum silicate). The green colour is attributed to small amounts of chromium

Calcite comprises of (calcium carbonate) and is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth. Specimen originates from Tennesee, U.S.A. now at the Natural History Museum, London

Calcite (Iceland spar)
A specimen of Iceland spar from Rodefjord, Iceland. Transparent crystal composed of the mineral, calcite (calcium carbonate) which has unusual property of double refraction

Rhodochrosite manganocalcite
Specimen from Schemnitz, Hungary, Greville Collection, 1810 (Baron Ignatz von Born specimen). BM 89666

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The captivating world of the calcite group takes us on a journey through time and space, revealing the intricate beauty of its diverse members. Plate 1 from Histoire naturelle? (1789) showcases Discosphaera tubifera, a mesmerizing coccolithophore that leaves us in awe with its delicate structure and ethereal glow. Emiliana huxleyi, another enchanting coccolithophore, graces our presence with its stunning presence. Its intricate coccoliths are like tiny works of art, reminding us of the wonders that lie beneath the surface of our oceans. Franklinite, a zinc ore found within this group, adds an element of mystery to this collection. Its dark hues contrast against the vibrant colors we have encountered so far, leaving us curious about its origins and significance. Iceland spar emerges as one of the most intriguing members within this group. With its unique optical properties and ability to polarize light, it has captivated scientists for centuries. Its crystal-clear transparency allows us to glimpse into a world where light bends and dances before our eyes. Emiliania huxleyi coccolithophores continue to amaze as they reveal their intricate structures once more. Their sheer abundance in marine environments highlights their importance in Earth's ecosystem and their role in carbon cycling. Rhodochrosite brings forth a burst of color amidst this array of minerals. Its vibrant pink hues remind us that even within seemingly ordinary rocks lies extraordinary beauty waiting to be discovered. Gold makes an appearance among these remarkable specimens, showcasing its timeless allure and value throughout history. A symbol of wealth and power since ancient times, it reminds us that there is much more than meets the eye when exploring the calcite group. Calcite itself stands tall as one of nature's most abundant minerals – calcium carbonate taking various forms depending on conditions during formation.