This striking Panda Columnar Calcite specimen features bold natural contrast between dark and light calcite, arranged in a distinct columnar crystal habit. In natural light, the specimen displays layered grayscale tones with a strong structural presence, giving rise to the well-known “panda” nickname used by collectors for this variety.
Under ultraviolet light, the specimen undergoes a dramatic transformation. The calcite fluoresces with vivid red to pink hues, revealing growth zones and internal structure not visible in daylight. This dual presentation—subtle and architectural in natural light, vivid and reactive under UV—makes the piece especially desirable to collectors of fluorescent minerals.
The columnar formation preserves the crystal’s original growth habit, offering both aesthetic appeal and educational value as a study specimen.
Dimensions: 2.5” x 2.25” x 2”
Weight: 94g
Columnar calcite specimens with strong natural contrast are far less common than massive or rhombohedral forms. The added presence of UV fluorescence elevates this piece beyond a standard calcite specimen, placing it firmly in the category of collector-grade fluorescent minerals.
Specimens that show this level of structural clarity and fluorescent response are increasingly difficult to source, particularly in well-preserved condition.
Panda columnar calcite with strong natural contrast
Distinct columnar crystal habit
Fluoresces under ultraviolet light
Red/pink UV response
Unique formation
Excellent collector and display specimen
Calcite is often associated with amplification and clarity. Panda calcite, in particular, is sometimes linked to balance due to its contrasting coloration. These associations are shared for informational interest only.
Mineral: Calcite (CaCO₃)
Crystal System: Trigonal
Habit: Columnar
Formation: Precipitation from mineral-rich fluids, with layered growth producing contrasting coloration
Calcite is known for its wide range of crystal habits and optical behaviors. Columnar growth occurs under specific conditions of space, chemistry, and fluid saturation, making well-defined examples especially valuable for collectors.
Under longwave ultraviolet light, this specimen displays strong fluorescence, with sections reacting in red to pink tones. Fluorescent response in calcite is caused by trace activator elements and growth zoning, offering insight into the mineral’s formation history.
UV response may vary slightly depending on wavelength and light intensity.
This specimen exhibits natural crystal faces, growth zoning, and fluorescence consistent with authentic calcite. No dyes, coatings, or artificial enhancements have been applied. UV fluorescence is a natural property of the mineral and not the result of treatment.
This striking Panda Columnar Calcite specimen features bold natural contrast between dark and light calcite, arranged in a distinct columnar crystal habit. In natural light, the specimen displays layered grayscale tones with a strong structural presence, giving rise to the well-known “panda” nickname used by collectors for this variety.
Under ultraviolet light, the specimen undergoes a dramatic transformation. The calcite fluoresces with vivid red to pink hues, revealing growth zones and internal structure not visible in daylight. This dual presentation—subtle and architectural in natural light, vivid and reactive under UV—makes the piece especially desirable to collectors of fluorescent minerals.
The columnar formation preserves the crystal’s original growth habit, offering both aesthetic appeal and educational value as a study specimen.
Dimensions: 2.5” x 2.25” x 2”
Weight: 94g
Columnar calcite specimens with strong natural contrast are far less common than massive or rhombohedral forms. The added presence of UV fluorescence elevates this piece beyond a standard calcite specimen, placing it firmly in the category of collector-grade fluorescent minerals.
Specimens that show this level of structural clarity and fluorescent response are increasingly difficult to source, particularly in well-preserved condition.
Panda columnar calcite with strong natural contrast
Distinct columnar crystal habit
Fluoresces under ultraviolet light
Red/pink UV response
Unique formation
Excellent collector and display specimen
Calcite is often associated with amplification and clarity. Panda calcite, in particular, is sometimes linked to balance due to its contrasting coloration. These associations are shared for informational interest only.
Mineral: Calcite (CaCO₃)
Crystal System: Trigonal
Habit: Columnar
Formation: Precipitation from mineral-rich fluids, with layered growth producing contrasting coloration
Calcite is known for its wide range of crystal habits and optical behaviors. Columnar growth occurs under specific conditions of space, chemistry, and fluid saturation, making well-defined examples especially valuable for collectors.
Under longwave ultraviolet light, this specimen displays strong fluorescence, with sections reacting in red to pink tones. Fluorescent response in calcite is caused by trace activator elements and growth zoning, offering insight into the mineral’s formation history.
UV response may vary slightly depending on wavelength and light intensity.
This specimen exhibits natural crystal faces, growth zoning, and fluorescence consistent with authentic calcite. No dyes, coatings, or artificial enhancements have been applied. UV fluorescence is a natural property of the mineral and not the result of treatment.
