TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet

Calcita

Calcita is a mineral with formula CaCO₃, in the Carbonatos group. This specimen comes from La Araña, La Araña, Málaga, Andalucía, España and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.

Calcita from La Araña, La Araña, Málaga, Andalucía, España — Terrium

Description

Specimen with a thick spike-like form, resembling an arborescent inverted cone, composed of fractal branches of scalenohedral crystals. Strong white-blue fluorescence under UV light.

History of this specimen

Collected by Carlos Pareja himself.

About Calcita

Calcite is a calcium carbonate that crystallises in the trigonal system and forms a wide variety of habits. At La Araña it commonly occurs as scalenohedral or prismatic aggregates arranged in clusters or parallel growths, with vitreous lustre, high transparency, and intense white-blue fluorescence due to the presence of manganese. This specimen stands out for its compact pinecone-like morphology and its optical response, both highly representative of the locality.

About the locality

Declared BIC in 2013 after the discovery of an archaeological cave with rock art and Palaeolithic remains. Access to the area has been completely restricted. For decades it was frequented by collectors, who could reach fissures and cavities where specimens with well-developed crystals appeared with relative ease. The specimens now in circulation come from other collections. Few, if any, leave the cave complex given the very high level of protection.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0230
Composition
CaCO₃
Name
Calcita
Group
Carbonatos
Category
Lucimera
Mine
La Araña
District / Municipality
La Araña
Province
Málaga
Region
Andalucía
Country
España
Size (cm)
5.8 x 3.6 x 3.9
Weight
30 g
Acquired
2025
Ex-collection
Carlos Pareja
Etymology
From the Latin "calx" (quicklime) and "-ite" (mineral), in reference to its composition.
Quality
Muy buena
Value trend
Al alza

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