Honeycomb Calcite Mine

February 27, 2005

Fieldtrip copy

Provided and copyright by: Georgia Johnson
Summary authors & editors: Georgia Johnson; Jim Foster

The above photo was taken at a honeycomb calcite mine located high in the Uinta Mountains of northeastern Utah, during the autumn of 2004. This is the only known location where this particular form of calcite is found. Honeycomb calcite is often used to provide a dramatic accent to buildings and architectural applications. Its name comes from the honeycomb appearance -- once the surface is polished. Honeycomb calcite is formed by the growth of long, fibrous tubular cells and crystals of honey color outlined by white membranes surrounding each cell.

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