Calcite and Aragonite from Boccheggiano, Tuscany, Italy

Contributed by: FMS Admin
Date: Mar 1st, 2026
Locality: Boccheggiano mines, Montieri, Grosseto Province, Tuscany, Italy (See on Mindat)
Size: 82 x 45 x 110 mm
Weight: 373 g

Description:
The commonly used names of strontian aragonite or aragostrontianite for this mineral is incorrect. This carbonate typical of Bocchieggiano / Ballarino Mine in Tuscany, Italy is in most cases calcite and/or aragonite. Strontium is not present.

A very detailed article by Mazzoleni, Dallegno, Menegazzi was published in the 2015-2016 FMS Journal.

The unique and astonishing fluorescence in LW cannot be captured by camera. So, I think that my efforts to show you the beauty of this Italian mineral are not enough. My suggestion is to try to directly observe it.

I bought the specimen from a collector who recovered it in the Boccheggiano Mine in 2015.

In LW, the fluorescent color is cherry-red, very bright and saturated; as you can see, as the calcite color is intense in natural light (green), the brighter is the fluorescence.

In SW the fluorescence color is less intense (different hues of pink) but the camera can better capture colors and details.

A negligible phosphorescence is also present.

Originally posted by Stefano Buzzoni on Nature's Rainbows.