Quartz and Calcite – Madan, Bulgaria | Ref. 58

This quartz associated with calcite comes from the Madan mining district in Bulgaria. Dated 1996, the specimen displays a vertical composition dominated by one tall quartz crystal accompanied by several secondary crystals.

The transparent to translucent quartz crystals are elongated and prismatic. The main crystal stands out for its height, well-developed faces and clearly visible termination. Several finer crystals rise around its base and add depth to the overall structure.

A growth of cream to pale beige calcite partially covers some of the quartz faces and becomes more extensive on one side of the specimen. The contrast between the exposed quartz surfaces and the calcite-covered areas gives the mineral association a different appearance from each viewing angle.

The three views reveal a specimen with markedly different sides: one mainly highlights the large quartz crystals, while the other displays denser calcite coverage and finer secondary crystallisation.

Measuring 65 mm wide and 85 mm high, with a weight of 145 g, this quartz and calcite association has a slender and well-balanced structure.