Zebra Calcite - A Trade Name for Travertine
Striking Zebra Calcite, raw, unpolished stones individually chosen for our collection of rocks and minerals.
Zebra Calcite is a trade name for what is believed to be a type of travertine rather than pure calcite.
Travertine is composed primarily of calcite, but the key difference is in how it forms.
Calcite, which is the mineral, can form in various environments, including caves, hot springs and sedimentary rocks.
Travertine is a sedimentary rock that forms when mineral-rich water (usually containing dissolved calcium carbonate) evaporates or cools, causing the calcite to precipitate and form layers. This often happens in caves, hot springs or environments rich in limestone.
Travertine is limestone composed of calcite, but it’s not 'pure calcite' in the mineralogical sense. It often contains tiny pores and impurities from the environment in which it formed, whereas crystalline calcite forms as a well-defined mineral structure.
Calcite should not be submerged in water or exposed to moisture. In warm water, it precipitates, and in cold water, it gradually dissolves.
These Zebra Calcite stones from northeastern Mexico make striking display pieces. They have been coated with a fine, colourless resin that offers some protection.
Please make your selection from the listings below. All of the stones we have available are in our photos.
In our last photo, the Zebra Calcite stone on the left weighs 156.6g, and the piece on the right is 48.3g. Both are currently still available and can be selected from the listings below.
