Calcite     Wuzhou Prefecture, Guangxizhuang Prov., China.  These were probably what I would consider the most unusual of the new materials available at Tucson during 2009.  The calcites are simply bizarre!  These large barrel shaped crystals are water clear if not for the extensive inclusions and solution etching.  Some faces are perfect and moderately striated while other faces are totally rotted away, often along faces parallel to the 0001.  Exceptionally high luster for a calcite!  You’d think they had been coated by a high gloss varnish.  Phantoms are white in color and nicely zoned in their growth.  They are present on the crystal terminations only.  Very strange stuff.  This one measures 6.9 x 5.5 x 4.5 overall with the largest crystal measuring over 4 cm wide.  It is a floater with only a couple very tiny touch marks on the backside.  A fine display specimen with no damage and fantastic aesthetics.  250$