Calcite and fluorite cluster, Mekhtar, Pakistan — 77 g

Description

This hand-sized cluster shows a mix of pale yellow and colourless calcite and fluorite crystals with a glassy lustre and many flat, overlapping crystal faces. The specimen has an irregular overall form with no single dominant crystal and scattered dark speckling on and within the crystals. Measuring 7 × 4 × 3 cm and weighing 77 g, the piece is compact and tactile. Crystals range from translucent to semi‑transparent and present an ensemble of small, faces rather than one large point. There is no visible single termination dominating the cluster; the surface texture is defined by overlapping planar faces. Fluorite is calcium fluoride (CaF2) and commonly forms cubic crystals, while calcite is calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and appears in many geological settings. The locality, Mekhtar in Loralai District, Balochistan, Pakistan, is given with the specimen.