Zebra Calcite - A Trade Name for Travertine
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 a variety of 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 releases carbon dioxide. This causes the calcite to precipitate and form layers. This commonly occurs in caves, hot springs, or limestone-rich environments.
Travertine is limestone composed mainly of calcite, but it's not pure calcite in the mineralogical sense. It often contains tiny pores and natural impurities from the environment in which it formed, whereas crystalline calcite forms as a well-defined mineral structure.
Zebra Calcite is relatively soft, so must be handled carefully. Prolonged exposure to moisture may cause damage, so ideally, it should be kept dry.
These Zebra Calcite stones from northeastern Mexico make striking display pieces. They have been coated with a fine, colourless resin that offers some protection.
All of the stones listed 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.
Details
48.3g – 5.7 x 3.7 x 1.8cm – £3.90
48.6g – 4.4 x 4 x 2.6cm – £4.10
53g – 4.8 x 3.4 x 2.6cm – £4.22
54.1g – 6 x 2.5 x 2.2cm – £4.60
63.3g – 6 x 4.7 x 2.3cm – £5.05
65.2g – 5 x 4.5 x 2cm – £5.30
69.6g – SOLD
71.5g – 5.7 x 3.8 x 3.3cm – £5.60
77.1g – 5.7 x 4.6 x 3cm – £6.99
89.7g – 4.6 x 5.2 x 2.2cm – £7.15
90g – 6 x 3.9 x 2.6cm – £7.25
96.6g – 6.2 x 4.8 x 2cm – £7.70
118g – 4.9 x 4.4 x 3.7cm – £9.50
125.2g – 6 x 4.6 x 3.8cm – £9.99
135g – 4.7 x 3.5 x 3.8cm – £10.76
138.2g – 5.2 x 4.5 x 3.6cm – £11.20
156.6g – 5.5 x 4.9 x 4.4cm – £12.50
Bloodstone
