Rough Optical Calcite Specimens

Optical Calcite specimens, available in three grades. This material is sometimes referred to as 'Iceland Spar', but I prefer to avoid this as optical Calcite does occur in several locales around the world.

Our A grade pieces are lovely and clear, as shown in the photos. The B grade pieces are less so - they can be quite cloudy and are not typically useful as an optical specimen. C grade pieces are white and milky, or have surface scratches.

Collectors may be interested in a single stone as a display item - as there are several colours of Calcite, they can make an interesting display.

They are most often from Chihuahua, Mexico, but this listing is for 'mixed locales' - whereever we can source them reliably.

Calcite is a reasonably soft mineral, and as such, it makes an ideal stepping stone into lapidary for beginners. It can be worked wet or dry, and takes an excellent polish. They can easily be cut into cabochons or carved into decorative objects.

The pictures you see here are representative of the products and are usually not the exact item you will receive. Where various grades are available we do try to photograph each grade - but some photographs are still on their way!