Calcite - Gem-Quality, Double-Terminated, Amber Scalenohedron from Elmwood

This striking specimen features a large, sharply developed, double-terminated Calcite crystal displaying the classic scalenohedral habit for which the Elmwood Mine is renowned. The crystal stands freely without matrix, allowing its full morphology to be appreciated from all angles. Its form is elegantly elongated with crisp faces converging to pointed terminations at both ends, creating a sculptural and highly balanced presentation. The Calcite exhibits exceptional transparency and a bright vitreous luster. Coloration ranges from a delicate cognac tone in the interior to richer honey and amber-orange hues toward the outer zones and terminations. These warm color gradients accentuate the internal structure of the crystal, where subtle growth zoning and reflective internal planes create depth and complexity when viewed through the gemmy body. A distinctive twinned growth is evident in the central portion of the crystal, producing intersecting internal faces that form a geometric, almost star-like arrangement visible through the transparent body. Near the lower half and along the midsection, small secondary Calcite aggregates are partially intergrown with the main crystal, adding natural complexity while maintaining the overall aesthetic clarity of the specimen. Under shortwave ultraviolet light, the deeper amber zones fluoresce a soft orange, highlighting the internal zoning typical of Elmwood Calcites. The crystal’s sharp edges, glassy surfaces, and exceptional clarity are hallmarks of specimens from this famous Tennessee locality, which produced some of the finest Calcite crystals ever found in the United States. Now closed, the Elmwood Mine is celebrated among collectors for its highly lustrous, well-formed Calcite crystals with vivid coloration and superb transparency. This impressive example, formerly in the collection of Daniel “Dan” R. Kennedy, exemplifies the mine’s distinctive aesthetic and mineralogical quality. The specimen is displayed on a custom acrylic base that supports the crystal while preserving its fully detached, double-terminated form.