Calcite Collection

Discosphaera tubifera, coccolithophore
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) showing the unicellular planktonic algae Discosphaera tubifera from the North Atlantic surrounded by a sphere of calcite plates - coccoliths

Picture No. 11050139
Coquina St. Augustine, Florida, USA Date:

Franklinite, zinc ore
A granular rock composed of white calcite, dull green willemite, red zincite and black franklinite (Zinc Iron Manganese Oxide). See T00387 for a fluorescent view

Iceland spar
A specimen of Iceland spar from Rodefjord, Iceland. Transparent crystal composed of the mineral, calcite (calcium carbonate) which has unusual property of double refraction

Emiliana huxleyi, coccolith
Scanning electron microscope image of a complete sphere of coccoliths from modern oceans. These are thin calcite shells protecting the coccolithophore within

Plate 1 from Histoire naturelle? (1789)
Plate 1 Histoire Naturelle ou Mineralogie Complete, from Histoire naturelle: ou, Exposition des morceaux, les mieux choisis pour servir? (1789) by by Swebach Desfontaines

Feline Head, Ptolemaic Period-Byzantine Period (332 BCE-641 CE). Creator: Unknown
Feline Head, Ptolemaic Period-Byzantine Period (332 BCE-641 CE)

Head of a Lion, Egypt, Old Kingdom, 4th Dynasty (?), (2575 - 2465 BCE). Creator: Unknown
Head of a Lion, Egypt, Old Kingdom, 4th Dynasty (?), (2575 - 2465 BCE)

Head of a Man, Possibly Ptolemaic Period (305-31 BCE). Creator: Unknown
Head of a Man, Possibly Ptolemaic Period (305-31 BCE)

Cave Pearls, formed as dripping water rich in calcium salts deposits calcite around a small nucleus (often a sand grain). The constant movement of each cave pearl by the dripping water keeps them

Septarian concretion or (septarian nodules) from Morocco. Dense mass formed by precipitation of mineral cement in sedimentary rock or soil which is later cracked and filled with other material

Persian hedgehog mounted on a wheeled carriage
Hedgehog mounted on a wheeled carriage made of calcite and bitumen, from Susa

Bactrian statuette of the genie La Balafre (the Scarred One), made of chlorite, calcite, and iron

Axe, c. 2000 BC (calcite (marble)
5952018 Axe, c.2000 BC (calcite (marble) by Chinese School (20th century BC); 27.6x5.7x2.4 cm; Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution

Dish, Egypt, Third Intermediate Period, Dynasty 21-25 (?) (about 1069-664 BCE)

Vessel, Egypt, Third Intermediate Period (?) (about 1069-664 BCE). Creator: Unknown
Vessel, Egypt, Third Intermediate Period (?) (about 1069-664 BCE)

Vessel, Egypt, Old Kingdom, Dynasty 5-6 (about 2494-2181 BCE). Creator: Unknown
Vessel, Egypt, Old Kingdom, Dynasty 5-6 (about 2494-2181 BCE)

Dish, Egypt, New Kingdom, Dynasty 18 (about 1550-1069 BCE). Creator: Unknown
Dish, Egypt, New Kingdom, Dynasty 18 (about 1550-1069 BCE)

Alabastron (Container for Scented Oil), Egypt, Late Period, Dynasty 26-31 (?) (664-332 BCE)

Vessel, Egypt, Early Dynastic Period-Early Old Kingdom, Dynasty 1-3 (about 3000-2613 BCE)

Canopic Jar with Human Head Lid, Egypt, Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 12 (about 1985-1773 BCE)

Mortar, Egypt, Late Period, Dynasty 26 (664-525 BCE). Creator: Unknown
Mortar, Egypt, Late Period, Dynasty 26 (664-525 BCE)

Unguent Jar, Egypt, Ptolemaic Period (332-30 BCE). Creator: Unknown
Unguent Jar, Egypt, Ptolemaic Period (332-30 BCE)

Vessel, Egypt, Early Dynastic Period-Old Kingdom, Dynasty 1-6 (about 3000-2181 BCE)

Cup, Egypt, Early Dynastic Period-Old Kingdom, Dynasty 1-4 (about 3000-2498 BCE)

Unguent Vessel, Egypt, Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 12 (about 1985-1773 BCE). Creator: Unknown
Unguent Vessel, Egypt, Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 12 (about 1985-1773 BCE)

Unguent Vessel, Egypt, Old Kingdom-Middle Kingdom (?), Dynasty 3-12 (about 2686-1773 BCE)

Jar, Egypt, Early Dynastic Period-Old Kingdom, Dynasty 1-8 (about 3000-2160 BCE)

Vessel, Egypt, Old Kingdom, Dynasty 5-8 (about 2494-2160 BCE). Creator: Unknown
Vessel, Egypt, Old Kingdom, Dynasty 5-8 (about 2494-2160 BCE)

Vessel, Egypt, New Kingdom, Dynasty 18-20 (about 1550-1069 BCE) ?. Creator: Unknown
Vessel, Egypt, New Kingdom, Dynasty 18-20 (about 1550-1069 BCE) ?

Vessel, Egypt, Old Kingdom, Dynasty 4-6 (about 2613-2181 BCE). Creator: Unknown
Vessel, Egypt, Old Kingdom, Dynasty 4-6 (about 2613-2181 BCE)

Alabastron with Inscription, Egypt, Late Period, Dynasty 26-27 (664-404 BCE)

Chromatic polarisation (colour litho)
3630288 Chromatic polarisation (colour litho) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Chromatic polarisation in crystals)

Carbonates, calcite (colour litho)
2797881 Carbonates, calcite (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Carbonates, calcite)

Pendant (xuanji) in the form of a notched disk, 10th century BC (calcite (travertine))
5951072 Pendant (xuanji) in the form of a notched disk, 10th century BC (calcite (travertine)) by Chinese School, Western Zhou Dynasty (1045-771 BC); 0.5x6x6 cm; (add.info.: H x W x D)

Beaded Necklace, Frankish, 600-700. Creator: Unknown
Beaded Necklace, Frankish, 600-700

EyeUbiquitous_20102722
China, Henan Province, Luoyang, Chrysanthemum stone, Longmen Grottoes and Caves

Sectioned fossil ammonite where the shell material has been replaced by pyrites, and the empty cavities of the shell have filled during fossilisation with crystalised yellow/green calcite preserving

Pamukkale, Turkey. c20th century
Pamukkale, Turkey. Famous site in Turkey for its natural spring and water formations

Calcite Formations, Hveravellir Hot Springs, North East of Langjokull, Iceland, 20th century. Artist: CM Dixon
Calcite Formations, Hveravellir Hot Springs, North East of Langjokull, Iceland, 20th century. Hveravellir Hot Springs, a low temperature area at the northern edge of Kjalhraunnature lava field

Hot Spring and Calcite Formation, Hveravellir, Central Iceland, 20th century. Artist: CM Dixon
Hot Spring and Calcite Formation, Hveravellir, Central Iceland, 20th century. Thermal activity on the lava fields of Hveravellir hot springs

Calcite statuette showing two humans in an embrace, 30th century BC
Calcite statuette showing two humans in an embrace from the Judean Desert (Ain Sahri rock shelter) From the British Museums collection, 30th century BC

Persian lion mounted on a wheeled carriage
Lion mounted on a wheeled carriage made of calcite and bitumen, from Susa

Statuette of the genie La Balafre, Bactrian, end of 3rd to the start of 2nd millenium BC
Statuette of the genie La Balafre (the scarred one), Bactrian, end of 3rd to the start of 2nd millenium BC. The genies body is covered with snake scales. The scar symbolises a destructive ritual

Calcite and bitumen hedgehog mounted on wheeled base, Susa, c12th century BC. This object was part of a hoard deposited near the Temple of Inshushinak (the patron god of Susa). It is now in The Louvre

Statue of Amenhotep III (Neb-Maat-Ra) and Sobek c. 1390-1352
Statue of Amenhotep III (Neb-Maat-Ra) and Sobek c.1390-1352 BC. Carved from Calcite (Egyptian Alabaster). Found in the Sobek temple at Dahamsha

Tiny drops of water clings to the bottom of a stalactite in Whiterock Cave.; Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia

Mesopotamia. White calcite. Cylinder seal. From Mesopotamia. Late Uruk. Early Jemdet Nasr Period. 3200-3000BC. British Museum. London. England. United Kingdom

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Calcite, a fascinating mineral with a rich history and diverse forms, has captivated scientists and enthusiasts alike. Plate 1 from Histoire naturelle? (1789) showcases the intricate beauty of Discosphaera tubifera, a coccolithophore adorned with delicate calcite plates. Picture No. 11050139 transports us to the mesmerizing world of Emiliana huxleyi, another coccolith species boasting stunning calcite structures. But calcite's allure extends beyond microscopic wonders; it can be found in various macroscopic forms as well. Franklinite, an ore abundant in zinc, often accompanies this versatile mineral. Iceland spar is yet another manifestation of calcite's splendor - its transparent crystals have been used for centuries to create optical instruments. Nature never ceases to amaze us: Cave Pearls are formed when dripping water laden with calcium salts deposits layers upon layers around tiny particles. These exquisite formations resemble shimmering pearls hidden within caves' depths. Even ancient civilizations recognized the magnificence of calcite. The Statue of Amenhotep III (Neb-Maat-Ra) and Sobek stands as a testament to Egypt's reverence for this stone during c. 1390-1352 BCE. Similarly, Mesopotamia showcased their admiration through artifacts like cylinder seals made from white calcite and Baboons statues dating back to the Early Dynastic Period. Traveling further east brings us Septarian concretion or septarian nodules discovered in Morocco - geological marvels that exhibit intricate patterns created by minerals such as calcite over millions of years. Lastly, we encounter the Bactrian statuette known as La Balafre (the Scarred One), showcasing how artists sculpted this captivating material into unique representations throughout history. From its presence in marine microorganisms to its use in art and industry across cultures and time periods, there is no denying the enduring fascination with calcite.