Calcite With Marcasite Morro Velho Mine Brazil Joseph Simon Collection Mineral
From the lifelong personal mineral collection of Joseph Simon, this striking calcite with marcasite specimen originates from the historic Morro Velho Mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is preserved with Simon’s original Rainbow XLS identification label, retaining the mineral name and locality information under which the specimen was kept in his collection.
Joseph Simon was a well-known mineral collector and mineral photographer and the proprietor of Rainbow XLS in Woodland Hills, California. He traveled extensively throughout the world in pursuit of minerals, visiting important mineral-producing regions and collecting localities while assembling his collection over decades. His original documentation is an important part of the history of these specimens and accompanies this piece.
The specimen features a complex cluster of translucent to milky white calcite crystals accented by contrasting metallic marcasite. The calcite shows overlapping crystal growth, broad reflective faces, internal inclusions and areas of greater transparency toward the crystal edges. Scattered metallic inclusions occur throughout the calcite, while a more concentrated marcasite aggregate forms along one portion of the specimen.
Under direct light, the marcasite produces metallic silver, bronze and brassy reflections that stand out dramatically against the pale calcite. The association gives the specimen considerable texture and depth, with its appearance changing noticeably as it is viewed from different angles.
Simon’s original Rainbow XLS label identifies the specimen as:
Calcite with Marcasite
Morro Velho Mine
Minas Gerais, Brasil
The Morro Velho Mine is a historic Brazilian gold-mining locality in Minas Gerais and has produced a variety of collectible mineral species. This calcite and marcasite association combines an important locality with documented Joseph Simon provenance.
Approximate specimen measurements are 1.25 inches long x 1 inch wide x 1 inch high.
Approximate total weight is 1.3 ounces / 36.9 grams, including the display box. The mineral is mounted within the display box and cannot be removed for a separate mineral-only weight.
SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION
Calcite is calcium carbonate with the chemical formula CaCO3. It belongs to the trigonal crystal system and commonly forms rhombohedral crystal structures. Calcite has a Mohs hardness of approximately 3 and typically displays a vitreous luster.
The theoretical elemental composition of pure calcite is approximately 40.04% calcium, 12.00% carbon and 47.96% oxygen by weight.
Marcasite is iron disulfide with the chemical formula FeS2. It belongs to the orthorhombic crystal system and commonly develops tabular, prismatic, spear-like or aggregated crystal habits. Marcasite has a Mohs hardness of approximately 6 to 6.5 and possesses a metallic luster.
The theoretical elemental composition of pure marcasite is approximately 46.55% iron and 53.45% sulfur by weight.
Because this is a naturally occurring mineral association rather than a chemically purified material, these percentages describe the ideal chemical compositions of calcite and marcasite individually and should not be interpreted as a laboratory analysis of this particular specimen.
METAPHYSICAL TRADITIONS
In metaphysical traditions, calcite is associated with clarity, insight, cleansing, amplification, patience and focused energy. Marcasite has traditionally been associated with grounding, protection, confidence, mental focus and strength. When occurring together, the two minerals are sometimes valued symbolically for balance, centered energy, insight and resolution. These associations are traditional or spiritual beliefs and are not scientific or medical claims.
PROVENANCE
From the personal collection of Joseph Simon, a lifelong mineral enthusiast, collector and mineral photographer associated with Rainbow XLS of Woodland Hills, California. Simon traveled extensively in pursuit of mineral specimens and visited collecting localities throughout the world while building his collection.
The original Rainbow XLS specimen label accompanies this mineral and identifies both the mineral association and the Morro Velho Mine locality. The specimen is housed in its small mineral display box with fitted foam and clear hinged cover as shown.
From the Joseph Simon Collection, acquired by Traders Loan & Jewelry, Reseda, California. The collection is being offered specimen by specimen while preserving Simon’s original labels and collection history whenever available.
Safe Handling: This is a natural mineral specimen intended for display and collecting purposes. Handle with reasonable care, wash hands after handling, and avoid creating or inhaling dust from the specimen. Keep out of reach of small children and pets.
Mineral Identification Disclaimer:
Every effort has been made to accurately identify and describe this specimen using available reference materials, labels, provenance, and careful visual examination. While I strive to provide accurate information, I am not a professionally trained mineralogist or gemologist, and inadvertent errors in mineral identification, locality attribution, or other descriptive information may occasionally occur. Collectors are encouraged to carefully review all photographs and use their own knowledge and judgment when evaluating any specimen. By purchasing this specimen, the buyer acknowledges that the identification and description represent my best good-faith assessment and are not a professional laboratory determination.
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