Black Calcite Crystals

[gaetama50]

I recently set out on a dig looking for citrine crystals at a local spot a friend told me about. Well, I didnt find any but what I ended up with is a bag full of calcite and chalcedony bearing volcanic material. Most is too small to mention but I did find a small vug that has a very clean 1 inch drusy crystal. I have never personally collected any black calcite before this and Im happy to add it to my collection. The question I pose to the board is should I leave it in matrix as shown below or should I attempt to take it out and clean it up to display its form?

Neither of these pictures are very good.... I just couldnt wait to get em up.





Thanks all,
Mike

[traveler]

I would rather keep them in matrix. It makes the whole specimine look more natural.

[scott]

Yeah, definitely leave it there. Besides, that matrix gives it a nice back drop.

[Dicky the Rockhunter]

those are really nice and are a true keper . I was not aware of black calcite, and those apear to be redish. When you clean them are they black or is it just the name . I am cornfused?

Dicky

[gaetama50]

Here is a couple of pictures of the crystals in natural sunlight which shows the minerals true colors. I had not heard of black calcite either till I began researching this specimen. Thanks to everyone who gave advice on the matter of remove or not to remove, I definately think I will leave it alone and put it on display as is. Even the smaller crystals on this peice are pretty cool.

[CrossfireBusiness]

thats an amazing crystal , and amazing specimen ... It"s up to you but if it was me I would be tempted to take it off and wrap it as a pendant but theres no way i would destroy that beautiful specimen by doing so ..

[rockshine]

My opinion: keep as is, return to dig site and collect a bushel, then dismantle one. Save all the rest and bring to club dig to swap to those/ we'se who don't have any.