Calcite with fluorite

  • Updated
    07/12/22
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Fluorite and Calcite D.47931 Click to enlarge image
Fluorite and calcite. Elmwood Mine, Tennessee, USA. 14 x 17 x 13 cm. Registered 1984. D.47931. Image: Stuart Humphreys
© Australian Museum

Both calcite (calcium carbonate) and fluorite (calcium fluoride) are common species worldwide, but it is the shape, colour, size and combination that make this specimen very special. The contrasting shapes and colours of this crystal group with purple fluorite cubes and a pointed (scalenohedral) golden yellow calcite crystal makes this an extremely attractive and three-dimensional specimen.

Specimen details

  • Origin

    Elmwood Mine, Tennessee, USA

  • Size

    14 x 17 x 13 cm

  • Date

    Registered 1984

  • Collection number

    D.47931

The Elmwood Mine, discovered in 1969, became well-known internationally for producing fine specimens of calcite, fluorite and sphalerite. It is a replacement orebody in limestone, known as a ‘Mississippi Valley type’ deposit.

This specimen was selected for a special 3D interactive rendering in the Australian Museum’s former Uncovered exhibition.

Fluorite with calcite

Elmwood Mine, Tennessee, USA. 14 x 17 x 13 cm. Registered 1984. D.47931.

Fluorite and Calcite D.47931
Fluorite and calcite. Elmwood Mine, Tennessee, USA. 14 x 17 x 13 cm. Registered 1984. D.47931. Image: Stuart Humphreys
© Australian Museum

Discover the Minerals Gallery

Be dazzled by the finest examples from this incredible Australian Museum collection and immerse yourself in the world-leading mineralogy research of the Australian Museum Research Institute.

Now open.

Find out more