Dogtooth Calcite Crystals Dulcote Quarry Shepton Mallet Genuine Mineral Specimen with Certificate of Authenticity

Genuine Dogtooth Calcite Crystals – Dulcote Quarry, Shepton Mallet

This Dogtooth Calcite crystal specimen from Dulcote Quarry, Shepton Mallet, is a genuine British mineral example carefully selected for its crystal form, clarity and locality significance. The photograph provided shows the exact specimen you will receive. Please refer to the images for full sizing details and accurate scale.

This crystal includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card confirming its genuine origin and mineral identification.

Mineral & Geological Classification – Calcite

Calcite is a calcium carbonate mineral with the chemical formula CaCO₃. It belongs to the carbonate mineral group and crystallises in the trigonal crystal system. Calcite is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth’s crust and a primary component of limestone and marble.

Mineral Name: Calcite
Chemical Formula: CaCO₃
Mineral Group: Carbonate
Crystal System: Trigonal
Hardness: 3 on the Mohs scale
Lustre: Vitreous to pearly
Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral cleavage

Dogtooth calcite refers to a distinctive scalenohedral crystal habit, where elongated, sharply pointed crystals resemble canine teeth. This form develops under specific growth conditions within cavities and veins.

Geological Setting – Dulcote Quarry, Somerset

Dulcote Quarry, near Shepton Mallet in Somerset, is known for exposures of Carboniferous limestone. The limestone was deposited approximately 340 million years ago in a warm, shallow marine environment. Over time, tectonic activity created fractures and cavities within the rock.

Hydrothermal fluids circulating through these fractures deposited calcite within open spaces, allowing well-formed scalenohedral crystals to grow freely. These cavity-grown crystals are responsible for the striking dogtooth formation.

Associated minerals in similar limestone-hosted environments may include quartz, baryte and minor sulfides, depending on local hydrothermal conditions.

Crystal Characteristics & Notable Traits

Dogtooth calcite crystals are characterised by:

• Elongated scalenohedral “tooth-like” shapes

• Sharp, pointed terminations

• Transparent to translucent clarity

• Vitreous, glass-like lustre

Colour can range from colourless and milky white to pale honey or light amber tones, depending on trace elements and inclusions. Internal zoning or subtle colour variation may be visible in well-formed crystals.

Calcite also exhibits double refraction (birefringence), meaning objects viewed through transparent crystals may appear doubled. This optical property is a distinctive feature of the mineral.

Natural growth lines, minor surface contacts and matrix attachment are part of the specimen’s geological formation and authenticity.

Geological Importance & Collectibility

Dogtooth calcite from Dulcote Quarry is sought after by collectors of British minerals due to its classic scalenohedral form and established locality. Limestone-hosted hydrothermal calcite provides insight into mineral deposition processes within sedimentary basins.

This specimen is suitable for mineral cabinets, educational geological collections or display. Its well-defined crystal habit makes it visually striking while representing a classic carbonate mineral formation.

Because this is a genuine natural specimen, each crystal displays unique structural characteristics shaped by its growth environment. The photograph shows the exact specimen you will receive.

Authenticity & Presentation

This Dogtooth Calcite specimen from Dulcote Quarry has been carefully chosen for crystal definition, clarity and locality value. Included with your purchase is a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card confirming its genuine origin from Shepton Mallet.

Combining classic Carboniferous limestone geology with sharp scalenohedral crystal growth, this Dogtooth Calcite specimen offers mineral authenticity, British locality significance and collector appeal in one carefully selected piece.