{"product_id":"optical-calcite-iceland-spar-maharashtra-india-1-49-lbs","title":"Optical Calcite (Iceland Spar) – Maharashtra, India – 1.49 lbs","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"90\" data-end=\"303\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eA striking \u003cstrong data-start=\"101\" data-end=\"135\"\u003eOptical Calcite (Iceland Spar)\u003c\/strong\u003e specimen from \u003cstrong data-start=\"150\" data-end=\"172\"\u003eMaharashtra, India\u003c\/strong\u003e, featuring exceptionally transparent calcite crystals accompanied by attractive cream-colored stilbite on natural volcanic matrix.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"305\" data-end=\"682\"\u003eThis specimen displays the remarkable clarity for which optical calcite is famous. The translucent calcite crystals exhibit glassy faces and excellent internal transparency, while the accompanying stilbite adds soft pearly contrast and architectural balance. Together, the minerals create a beautiful association that showcases two classic species from the famous Deccan Traps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"684\" data-end=\"1028\"\u003eOptical calcite is renowned for its extraordinary optical properties, particularly its ability to produce \u003cstrong data-start=\"790\" data-end=\"827\"\u003edouble refraction (birefringence)\u003c\/strong\u003e. When viewed through clear crystals, objects beneath appear doubled—a phenomenon that has fascinated scientists and collectors for centuries and helped advance the study of crystallography and optics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1030\" data-end=\"1359\"\u003eAt approximately \u003cstrong data-start=\"1047\" data-end=\"1062\"\u003e1.49 pounds\u003c\/strong\u003e and measuring roughly \u003cstrong data-start=\"1085\" data-end=\"1105\"\u003e4 × 3 × 3 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e, this specimen offers excellent cabinet presence while remaining an ideal display size. Its combination of transparent calcite, elegant stilbite associations, and classic Maharashtra provenance makes it an outstanding addition to any mineral collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1361\" data-end=\"1364\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1a3ueyz\" data-start=\"1366\" data-end=\"1383\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1385\" data-end=\"1442\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1385\" data-end=\"1397\"\u003eMineral:\u003c\/strong\u003e Optical Calcite (Iceland Spar) with Stilbite\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1444\" data-end=\"1476\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1444\" data-end=\"1457\"\u003eLocality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maharashtra, India\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1478\" data-end=\"1524\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1478\" data-end=\"1489\"\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.49 lbs (approximately 676 grams)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1526\" data-end=\"1572\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1526\" data-end=\"1541\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 4 × 3 × 3 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1574\" data-end=\"1650\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1574\" data-end=\"1592\"\u003eCrystal Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Transparent rhombohedral calcite with fan-shaped stilbite\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1652\" data-end=\"1708\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1652\" data-end=\"1662\"\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Colorless to white with creamy white stilbite\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1710\" data-end=\"1740\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1710\" data-end=\"1721\"\u003eLuster:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vitreous to pearly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1742\" data-end=\"1784\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1742\" data-end=\"1753\"\u003eMatrix:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural volcanic basalt matrix\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1786\" data-end=\"1827\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1786\" data-end=\"1800\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural collector specimen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1829\" data-end=\"1892\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1829\" data-end=\"1841\"\u003eDisplay:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cabinet specimen with transparent optical crystals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1894\" data-end=\"1918\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1894\" data-end=\"1918\"\u003eExact specimen shown\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1920\" data-end=\"1923\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1sqo11k\" data-start=\"1925\" data-end=\"1964\"\u003eAbout Optical Calcite (Iceland Spar)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1966\" data-end=\"2304\"\u003eOptical calcite, historically known as \u003cstrong data-start=\"2005\" data-end=\"2021\"\u003eIceland Spar\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the most famous varieties of calcite because of its exceptional transparency and remarkable optical behavior. Large transparent crystals display strong \u003cstrong data-start=\"2185\" data-end=\"2206\"\u003edouble refraction\u003c\/strong\u003e, causing objects viewed through the crystal to appear doubled due to the mineral's birefringence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2306\" data-end=\"2694\"\u003eAlthough the name originated from famous deposits in Iceland, transparent optical calcite is also found in select localities worldwide, including the zeolite-bearing basalt cavities of Maharashtra, India. Here, hydrothermal mineral-rich fluids deposited calcite alongside zeolite minerals such as stilbite, apophyllite, and heulandite within cavities formed by ancient volcanic eruptions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2696\" data-end=\"2881\"\u003eSpecimens combining transparent optical calcite with attractive zeolite associations are especially desirable because they unite scientific significance with exceptional natural beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2883\" data-end=\"2886\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1punl39\" data-start=\"2888\" data-end=\"2906\"\u003eCollector Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2908\" data-end=\"2935\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2908\" data-end=\"2935\"\u003eThis specimen features:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2937\" data-end=\"3342\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"acb8hy\" data-start=\"2937\" data-end=\"2975\"\u003etransparent optical calcite crystals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1sxrxww\" data-start=\"2976\" data-end=\"3006\"\u003eclassic Iceland spar variety\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1wsn8zm\" data-start=\"3007\" data-end=\"3044\"\u003eassociated pearly stilbite crystals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1qcwilx\" data-start=\"3045\" data-end=\"3077\"\u003eexcellent natural transparency\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1pao88b\" data-start=\"3078\" data-end=\"3116\"\u003eclassic Maharashtra zeolite locality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1quzh0a\" data-start=\"3117\" data-end=\"3155\"\u003eattractive multi-mineral association\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1l7j9np\" data-start=\"3156\" data-end=\"3188\"\u003estrong vitreous crystal luster\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"4o51qw\" data-start=\"3189\" data-end=\"3226\"\u003esubstantial 1.49-pound cabinet size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"15gudh4\" data-start=\"3227\" data-end=\"3259\"\u003enatural volcanic basalt matrix\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"zafhs8\" data-start=\"3260\" data-end=\"3297\"\u003eexcellent three-dimensional display\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"10ov1b6\" data-start=\"3298\" data-end=\"3342\"\u003escientifically significant optical mineral\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3344\" data-end=\"3591\"\u003ePerfect for collectors of optical calcite, Iceland spar, calcite specimens, Indian zeolites, stilbite associations, Maharashtra minerals, transparent crystals, cabinet specimens, educational mineral displays, and museum-quality collector minerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3593\" data-end=\"3596\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3598\" data-end=\"3648\"\u003eProfessionally packaged and shipped from Colorado.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3650\" data-end=\"3692\"\u003eYou will receive the exact specimen shown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3694\" data-end=\"3829\"\u003eEvery order is backed by our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Thank you for supporting our family-owned small business.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Serenity Soul Stones","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49716404125946,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0837\/2328\/8826\/files\/20260717_115546.jpg?v=1784311341","url":"https:\/\/serenitysoulstones.com\/products\/optical-calcite-iceland-spar-maharashtra-india-1-49-lbs","provider":"Serenity Soul Stones","version":"1.0","type":"link"}