{"product_id":"optical-calcite-iceland-spar-with-phantom-maharashtra-india-1-49-lbs","title":"Optical Calcite (Iceland Spar) with Phantom – Maharashtra, India – 1.49 lbs","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"85\" data-end=\"490\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eA substantial Optical Calcite specimen from Maharashtra, India, displaying impressive transparency, prominent rhombohedral cleavage, and colorful internal rainbow reflections. Often called “Iceland Spar” in the mineral trade, transparent calcite is celebrated for its strong double-refraction effect, which can cause objects or printed lines viewed through clear portions of the crystal to appear doubled.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"492\" data-end=\"898\"\u003eThis specimen ranges from water-clear to softly translucent, with broad reflective surfaces and complex internal cleavage planes. Natural fractures, crystalline veils, and layered growth features interact with light to produce flashes of spectral color throughout the interior. When illuminated or viewed from different angles, these internal structures reveal shifting rainbows and luminous optical depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"900\" data-end=\"1227\"\u003eThe blocky formation preserves calcite’s characteristic rhombohedral geometry, while stepped edges and overlapping cleavage surfaces create an architectural appearance. A softly clouded zone near the base contrasts beautifully with the clearer upper portions, emphasizing the specimen’s internal structure and substantial mass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1229\" data-end=\"1611\"\u003eMeasuring approximately 4 × 3 × 3.5 inches and weighing 1.49 pounds, this is an impressive cabinet-sized example with excellent display presence. Its combination of clarity, optical behavior, rainbow-producing internal features, and educational value makes it appealing to mineral collectors, science enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the interaction between crystals and light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1613\" data-end=\"1627\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1629\" data-end=\"1645\"\u003eMineral: Calcite\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1647\" data-end=\"1697\"\u003eVariety\/Trade Name: Optical Calcite \/ Iceland Spar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1699\" data-end=\"1727\"\u003eLocality: Maharashtra, India\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1729\" data-end=\"1771\"\u003eWeight: 1.49 lbs (approximately 676 grams)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1773\" data-end=\"1817\"\u003eDimensions: Approximately 4 × 3 × 3.5 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1819\" data-end=\"1884\"\u003eColor: Colorless to milky white with internal rainbow reflections\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1886\" data-end=\"1951\"\u003eCrystal Form: Blocky calcite with prominent rhombohedral cleavage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1953\" data-end=\"2003\"\u003eLuster: Vitreous to pearly along cleavage surfaces\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2005\" data-end=\"2045\"\u003eTransparency: Transparent to translucent\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2047\" data-end=\"2117\"\u003eOptical Property: Strong double refraction in sufficiently clear areas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2119\" data-end=\"2143\"\u003eCrystal System: Trigonal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2145\" data-end=\"2168\"\u003eChemical Formula: CaCO₃\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2170\" data-end=\"2291\"\u003eCondition: Natural mineral specimen with internal fractures, cleavage features, surface contacts, and edge irregularities\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2293\" data-end=\"2348\"\u003eDisplay: Substantial collector and educational specimen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2350\" data-end=\"2370\"\u003eExact specimen shown\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2372\" data-end=\"2393\"\u003eAbout Optical Calcite\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2395\" data-end=\"2660\"\u003eCalcite is a calcium carbonate mineral with the chemical formula CaCO₃. It crystallizes in the trigonal system and occurs in an extraordinary range of forms, including rhombohedrons, scalenohedrons, massive deposits, stalactites, and transparent cleavage fragments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2662\" data-end=\"2963\"\u003eHighly transparent calcite is widely known as optical calcite or Iceland spar. The historic name “Iceland spar” originated with exceptionally clear material from Iceland but is now commonly used in the mineral trade for transparent calcite exhibiting strong optical properties, regardless of locality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2965\" data-end=\"3308\"\u003eCalcite is strongly birefringent, meaning that light entering the mineral is divided into two rays traveling at different speeds and directions. This phenomenon produces the mineral’s famous double-refraction effect. When a sufficiently clear piece is placed over a line or small object, two separate images may be visible through the crystal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3310\" data-end=\"3654\"\u003eMaharashtra lies within the Deccan Traps, an immense volcanic province renowned for producing calcite, apophyllite, stilbite, heulandite, chalcedony, and many other collectible cavity minerals. Mineral-rich fluids circulated through openings in the ancient basalt, depositing crystals during successive stages of low-temperature mineralization.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3656\" data-end=\"3671\"\u003eCollector Notes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3673\" data-end=\"3696\"\u003eThis specimen features:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3698\" data-end=\"4336\"\u003esubstantial optical calcite from Maharashtra, India\u003cbr data-start=\"3749\" data-end=\"3752\"\u003etransparent to softly translucent crystalline areas\u003cbr data-start=\"3803\" data-end=\"3806\"\u003eclassic double-refraction potential through clearer sections\u003cbr data-start=\"3866\" data-end=\"3869\"\u003eprominent rhombohedral cleavage geometry\u003cbr data-start=\"3909\" data-end=\"3912\"\u003ebroad reflective calcite surfaces\u003cbr data-start=\"3945\" data-end=\"3948\"\u003enumerous internal cleavage planes and crystalline veils\u003cbr data-start=\"4003\" data-end=\"4006\"\u003evivid natural rainbow reflections\u003cbr data-start=\"4039\" data-end=\"4042\"\u003ecomplex optical depth under direct lighting\u003cbr data-start=\"4085\" data-end=\"4088\"\u003econtrasting clear and softly clouded zones\u003cbr data-start=\"4130\" data-end=\"4133\"\u003eimpressive cabinet-sized dimensions\u003cbr data-start=\"4168\" data-end=\"4171\"\u003eexcellent educational and scientific interest\u003cbr data-start=\"4216\" data-end=\"4219\"\u003ematerial from India’s renowned Deccan Traps region\u003cbr data-start=\"4269\" data-end=\"4272\"\u003eone-of-a-kind natural mineral specimen\u003cbr data-start=\"4310\" data-end=\"4313\"\u003eexact specimen pictured\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4338\" data-end=\"4589\"\u003ePerfect for collectors of optical calcite, Iceland spar, Indian minerals, Maharashtra specimens, transparent crystals, rainbow minerals, birefringent minerals, educational geology specimens, optical mineral displays, and substantial cabinet specimens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4591\" data-end=\"4641\"\u003eProfessionally packaged and shipped from Colorado.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4643\" data-end=\"4685\"\u003eYou will receive the exact specimen shown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4687\" data-end=\"4822\"\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":49730193916154,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0837\/2328\/8826\/files\/OpticalCalcite_IcelandSpar_Maharashtra_India_1.49lbs_3.jpg?v=1784670868","url":"https:\/\/serenitysoulstones.com\/products\/optical-calcite-iceland-spar-with-phantom-maharashtra-india-1-49-lbs","provider":"Serenity Soul Stones","version":"1.0","type":"link"}