This striking Dragon Scale Calcite cluster from the Sweetwater Mine in Missouri displays the dramatic blade-like crystal structure that made this locality famous among mineral collectors. Multiple thick calcite crystals radiate outward in a circular formation, creating a natural hollow at the center where the points meet, giving the specimen a powerful sculptural presence.
When backlit, the crystals glow with soft olive and champagne tones, revealing delicate internal phantoms and scattered chalcopyrite inclusions that appear as dark metallic speckles throughout the calcite. The crystal faces show the classic layered growth texture known as “dragon scale” structure, where overlapping growth patterns catch and scatter light across the surface.
This specimen shows evidence of its journey from deep within the mine. Two crystal tips are missing and several others show minor edge wear and contact marks from extraction. These natural mining scars are common in Sweetwater Mine specimens and do not detract from the dramatic crystal architecture of the piece. The cluster self-stands beautifully and displays well from multiple angles.
A particularly interesting feature appears on the underside where areas of etched calcite may indicate partial self-healing or secondary growth, adding additional character to the specimen.
Please note: natural crystals are not manufactured items and may include contact marks, growth interruptions, or minor edge variations created during formation or mining.
Size & Weight
• Weight: 1278 g (1.278 kg / 2.82 lbs)
• Width: 4.5 inches
• Height: 4.5 inches
• Depth: 4 inches
Self-standing cluster.
Scientific Details
Mineral: Calcite
Locality: Sweetwater Mine, Viburnum Trend, Missouri, USA
Crystal System: Trigonal
Associated minerals: Chalcopyrite inclusions
Color: Olive green to champagne calcite
Formation: Hydrothermal carbonate replacement deposit
Key Features
• Rare Sweetwater Mine Dragon Scale Calcite
• Dramatic blade-like crystal growth
• Circular cluster structure with central void
• Visible chalcopyrite inclusions and phantoms
• Internal glow when backlit
• Self-standing display specimen
• Collector mineral locality
This striking Dragon Scale Calcite cluster from the Sweetwater Mine in Missouri displays the dramatic blade-like crystal structure that made this locality famous among mineral collectors. Multiple thick calcite crystals radiate outward in a circular formation, creating a natural hollow at the center where the points meet, giving the specimen a powerful sculptural presence.
When backlit, the crystals glow with soft olive and champagne tones, revealing delicate internal phantoms and scattered chalcopyrite inclusions that appear as dark metallic speckles throughout the calcite. The crystal faces show the classic layered growth texture known as “dragon scale” structure, where overlapping growth patterns catch and scatter light across the surface.
This specimen shows evidence of its journey from deep within the mine. Two crystal tips are missing and several others show minor edge wear and contact marks from extraction. These natural mining scars are common in Sweetwater Mine specimens and do not detract from the dramatic crystal architecture of the piece. The cluster self-stands beautifully and displays well from multiple angles.
A particularly interesting feature appears on the underside where areas of etched calcite may indicate partial self-healing or secondary growth, adding additional character to the specimen.
Please note: natural crystals are not manufactured items and may include contact marks, growth interruptions, or minor edge variations created during formation or mining.
Size & Weight
• Weight: 1278 g (1.278 kg / 2.82 lbs)
• Width: 4.5 inches
• Height: 4.5 inches
• Depth: 4 inches
Self-standing cluster.
Scientific Details
Mineral: Calcite
Locality: Sweetwater Mine, Viburnum Trend, Missouri, USA
Crystal System: Trigonal
Associated minerals: Chalcopyrite inclusions
Color: Olive green to champagne calcite
Formation: Hydrothermal carbonate replacement deposit
Key Features
• Rare Sweetwater Mine Dragon Scale Calcite
• Dramatic blade-like crystal growth
• Circular cluster structure with central void
• Visible chalcopyrite inclusions and phantoms
• Internal glow when backlit
• Self-standing display specimen
• Collector mineral locality
