Calcite and Pyrrhotite    Level 3,981, New Fold, Empire State Mine, Balmat, St. Lawrence County, New York.  Collected 2022.  This year marks the finest mineral discovery from this historic mine.  An approximately 6 foot long pocket of glassy calcite crystals produced specimens of lustrous, often transparent calcites that ranged in color from water clear to purple in color.  Only a handful of specimens of this quality are known from this mine and the finest from this new discovery will certainly rank among the best calcites from anywhere in the world.  These specimens share characteristics more common to fine quartz specimens than calcites.  Mixed surface textures exhibiting etching, stepped growth, surface healing, and amazingly smooth areas are seen in contrasting, attractive combinations.  
This example measures 10 x 6.2 x 4 cm.  It is a light pink color, transparent with moderate internal veils and cleavage planes, and does not show any twinning.  It is composed entirely of smooth surfaces, all of the highest luster.  Base and some back contact in the form of flat cleavage surfaces.  One face shows small pyrrhotite crystals as inclusions just below its surface.  The piece is damage-free and sits nicely as seen in the images.  $3,800