Calcite Rose Formation – Nador, Morocco – 0.61 lbs

An exceptional Calcite Rose formation from Nador, Morocco, composed of broad mineral blades arranged into an elaborate flower-like cluster. Its layered architecture, warm desert coloration, and finely sparkling surface create a specimen that appears sculpted while remaining entirely geological in origin.

The formation is built from numerous flattened calcite plates radiating and overlapping around multiple growth centers. Larger outer blades frame tightly arranged inner petals, producing several connected rosettes rather than one simple circular formation. A tall central blade rises prominently through the cluster, creating a dramatic vertical focal point and revealing the specimen’s considerable crystal depth.

Every visible surface is coated with exceptionally fine microcrystalline growth. This dense, sugar-like texture softens the underlying crystal faces while producing thousands of subtle reflections under direct lighting. Color ranges from sandy tan and warm caramel to terracotta, peach, apricot, and muted orange-brown.

The reverse is equally architectural, displaying broad plate-like surfaces, layered edges, smaller secondary rosettes, and deep shadowed recesses between the crystals. Mounted on a fitted black display base, the specimen can be presented upright to emphasize its botanical shape and provide attractive views from every side.

Measuring approximately 4.5 × 3 × 4 inches and weighing 0.61 pounds, this unusual Moroccan calcite combines substantial size, complex radial growth, warm coloration, and an exceptionally cohesive natural rose form.

Specifications

Mineral: Calcite

Formation: Multiple intergrown calcite rosettes composed of radiating plate-like crystals

Locality: Nador, Morocco

Weight: 0.61 lbs, approximately 277 grams

Dimensions: Approximately 4.5 × 3 × 4 inches

Color: Sandy tan, caramel, terracotta, peach, apricot, and orange-brown

Crystal Habit: Broad flattened plates and bladed crystals arranged in radiating rosettes

Primary Feature: Tall central blade surrounded by overlapping petal-like calcite growth

Surface: Dense microcrystalline coating with a fine sugar-like sparkle

Reverse: Broad layered plates, smaller secondary rosettes, and deep natural recesses

Luster: Matte-to-vitreous with subtle druzy sparkle

Transparency: Predominantly opaque, with slightly translucent thinner edges under strong lighting

Chemical Formula: CaCO₃

Crystal System: Trigonal

Mohs Hardness: Approximately 3

Display: Affixed to a fitted black display base

Condition: Natural mineral specimen with inherent crystal contacts, incomplete blades, small edge irregularities, surface textures, mineral deposits, cavities, and extraction-related contacts

Exact specimen shown

About Calcite Rose Formations

“Calcite rose” is a descriptive name referring to the specimen’s flower-like arrangement and is not a separate calcite variety. Its rose form developed as flattened calcite crystals grew outward from shared centers, repeatedly overlapping to create layered petal-like structures.

Although visually reminiscent of the familiar gypsum or barite formations sold as desert roses, this specimen is identified as calcite. The mineral’s crystal chemistry and growth environment produced its distinctive plated architecture and warm Moroccan desert palette.

Calcite is relatively soft and reacts with acids. Avoid soaking, chemical cleaners, and ultrasonic cleaning. Handle the specimen by its display base and remove dust only with a soft, dry brush or gentle air blower.

Collector Notes

This specimen features:

• Natural calcite from Nador, Morocco
• Multiple connected flower-like rosettes
• Broad plate-shaped calcite blades
• Tall central crystal creating a dramatic focal point
• Dense layered petal architecture
• Fine sugar-like microcrystalline coating
• Warm tan, peach, caramel, and terracotta coloration
• Attractive natural sparkle under direct lighting
• Dimensional front, side, and reverse views
• Substantial 0.61-pound collector size
• Approximately 4.5-inch display width
• Custom mounted presentation
• Exact specimen pictured

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You will receive the exact specimen shown.
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