Multi-Wave Calcite Crystal Cluster, Sweetwater Mine, Reynolds County, Missouri

Contributed by: Chris Clemens
minID: REA-55K
Date: Apr 20th, 2026
Locality: Sweetwater Mine, Ellington, Reynolds County, Missouri, USA (See on Mindat)
Size: 59 x 51 x 84 mm
Weight: 119 g

Description:
Aesthetic cluster of waxy, pale yellow, calcite scalenohedrons and minor chalcopyrite on a minimal limestone matrix, from the Sweetwater Mine, Ellington, Reynolds County, Missouri. As shown in the photographs below, under UV, the calcite shows a beautiful multi-wavelength fluorescent response. This specimen shows its brightest fluorescent response under midwave UV (305 nm), glowing a bright pink/magenta color. This aesthetic specimen also makes a lovely visible light display piece.

The Sweetwater Mine is an active lead/zinc mine situated in the Viburnum Trend in southeastern Missouri.

Originally posted by Chris Clemens on Nature's Rainbows in 2019.

Fluorescence under longwave UV light.

Fluorescence under midwave UV light.

Fluorescence under shortwave UV light.

Normal light.

Summary of luminescence responses:

Calcite (Mindat) (RRUFF)

• Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Orange
• Fluorescence under Midwave (305nm Lamp/Mercury) UV light: Pink
• Fluorescence under Longwave (365nm LED) UV light: Red