Dogtooth Calcite Mineral Crystal Jebel Saghro Morocco Sharp Scalenohedral Specimen with Certificate of Authenticity

Exceptional Dogtooth Calcite Mineral from Jebel Saghro, Morocco

This stunning Dogtooth Calcite mineral specimen originates from the Jebel Saghro region in southeastern Morocco, a locality renowned for its world-class mineral formations. Characterised by its striking, sharply pointed scalenohedral crystal habit, this specimen displays the perfect geometry and lustrous clarity that make Dogtooth Calcite one of the most admired forms of calcite among collectors. The photograph shows the actual specimen you will receive, carefully selected for its superior crystalline form and aesthetic balance. The scale cube = 1cm provides an accurate size reference — please refer to the image for full sizing details.

Geological Origin and Formation

Calcite, with the chemical composition CaCO₃ (calcium carbonate), is one of the most widespread and geologically significant minerals on Earth. The Dogtooth variety is named for its distinctive pointed crystal form, resembling the fangs or teeth of a carnivore. These crystals typically develop in geodes, open cavities, and hydrothermal veins, where mineral-rich fluids slowly precipitate calcite over thousands to millions of years.

The Dogtooth Calcite from Jebel Saghro formed in a region of ancient volcanic and sedimentary activity, where mineralising fluids percolated through fractures and voids in the limestone host rock. Over time, changing temperature and chemistry conditions allowed successive crystal growth stages, producing the sharp, elongated scalenohedral forms typical of Dogtooth Calcite. Many Moroccan specimens, including this example, display exceptional transparency and a warm, honey to amber hue, sometimes enhanced by traces of iron oxide inclusions that accentuate the crystal edges.

Morphological and Optical Features

Dogtooth Calcite crystals exhibit the scalenohedral crystal habit, a hallmark of calcite crystallography, forming steeply pointed pyramidal structures that taper to fine terminations. Each crystal grows independently, often radiating outward from a central matrix. The surfaces are typically smooth and lustrous, with a subtle vitreous to pearly sheen that captures and reflects light beautifully.

Calcite has a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, excellent rhombohedral cleavage, and a specific gravity of 2.7. When viewed under polarized light or UV illumination, Dogtooth Calcite can display subtle fluorescence, adding to its visual intrigue. It is also optically birefringent, splitting light into two paths, which contributes to its shimmering internal reflections.

Geological and Regional Significance

The Jebel Saghro mountain range lies in Morocco’s Anti-Atlas region, an area of immense geological diversity formed through complex tectonic uplift and volcanic processes. Rich in mineral veins, this region is home to abundant deposits of calcite, barite, fluorite, and quartz, often found in association within hydrothermal cavities. The Dogtooth Calcite from this area stands out for its sharp crystal definition and purity, ranking among the finest examples of the mineral available from North Africa.

Collectable and Aesthetic Value

Dogtooth Calcite specimens like this one are highly prized by mineral collectors for their architectural crystal form and natural symmetry. The sharply terminated crystals demonstrate the precision of natural crystallography, embodying both geological and aesthetic beauty. These specimens are ideal for educational display, mineralogical study, or as statement pieces in private collections. The naturally reflective surfaces and geometric structure make them especially striking under directional lighting, revealing every detail of their growth.

Authenticity and Provenance

All of our minerals and fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come complete with a Certificate of Authenticity, verifying their natural origin and provenance. This Dogtooth Calcite from Jebel Saghro, Morocco is a carefully selected, high-quality example that showcases the fine mineralogical craftsmanship of nature itself. Each crystal represents millions of years of slow mineral growth, forming under the precise conditions that make this mineral variety one of the most distinctive and collectible in the world.