Calcite on Quartz

A most unusual Calcite specimen from the Idarado that clashes with the typical “feathery” Manganoan Calcites that we are used to seeing from this mine. Small groups of what I call “popcorn” Calcite are overgrowing a group of “Milky” Quartz crystals. Very different for the Idarado Mine, and certainly worth picking up if you are a collector of San Juan minerals. The Idarado Mine was one of the most productive San Juan localities and actually extended through the Treasury Tunnel into Ouray County on Red Mountain. This mine is best known for its attractive Manganoan Calcite specimens, along with excellent Quartz display specimens, sulfides, and, of course, metals like Gold. Specimen# CO712B136