{"product_id":"blue-onyx-elephant-banded-calcite-argentina-choose-a-or-b","title":"Blue Onyx Elephant (Banded Calcite) – Argentina | Choose A or B","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese hand-carved elephants are crafted from \u003cstrong\u003eBlue Onyx\u003c\/strong\u003e, a striking variety of banded \u003cstrong\u003eCalcite\u003c\/strong\u003e known for its serene color palette and \"silky\" luster. Each piece showcases undulating layers of sky blue, stormy grey, and warm honey-gold, created by mineral impurities during the stone's sedimentary formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGeological Overview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile trade-named \"Onyx,\" this material is geologically a \u003cstrong\u003eBanded Calcite (CaCO₃)\u003c\/strong\u003e. It forms through the slow precipitation of calcium carbonate in cold-water springs or caves, resulting in a cryptocrystalline structure with distinct tectonic banding. The blue hues are often attributed to microscopic inclusions or molecular structural variations during growth. With a Mohs hardness of \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e, this mineral is soft enough for the intricate, fluid carving seen in these elephant forms while maintaining a high, glass-like polish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAesthetic Appeal\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese specimens feature a sophisticated interplay of cool and warm tones. The \"Blue Silk\" effect refers to the chatoyant-like quality of the light as it hits the fibrous layers of the calcite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecimen A:\u003c\/strong\u003e Features tighter, more defined horizontal banding with rich chocolate and gold accents across the ears and trunk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecimen B:\u003c\/strong\u003e Displays broader, more atmospheric blue-grey zones with a prominent golden-cream \"saddle\" across the rear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMetaphysical Properties\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn metaphysical traditions, Blue Onyx is a stone of \u003cstrong\u003einner strength\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003emental clarity\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is often used to soothe the throat chakra, facilitating clear communication and the expression of one's truth. The elephant form enhances these properties, symbolizing \u003cstrong\u003ewisdom\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003elongevity\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the removal of obstacles. Together, they represent a grounded, calm authority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRarity \u0026amp; Collectibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBanded Blue Calcite of this saturation is primarily sourced from \u003cstrong\u003eArgentina\u003c\/strong\u003e. While calcite is a common mineral, the specific \"Blue Silk\" banding is geographically limited and highly sought after for decorative arts. As hand-carved pieces, no two elephants are identical, making them unique \"exact-piece\" additions to a mineral collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCollector’s \u0026amp; Display Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese elephants are best displayed in areas with \u003cstrong\u003ediffuse natural light\u003c\/strong\u003e to highlight the translucency of the blue bands. Due to the soft nature of calcite, they should be kept away from acidic cleaners or prolonged direct sunlight, which can fade the delicate blue pigments over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrade:\u003c\/strong\u003e A (Commercial-High Grade)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e All-natural mineral; hand-polished with no repairs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecimen A (A1):\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 x 5 x 8 cm (approx. 4.7\" x 2.0\" x 3.1\") | \u003cstrong\u003e481g\u003c\/strong\u003e (1.06 lbs)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecimen B (B3):\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 x 5 x 8 cm (approx. 4.7\" x 2.0\" x 3.1\") | \u003cstrong\u003e515g\u003c\/strong\u003e (1.14 lbs)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Legacy Crystals and Minerals ","offers":[{"title":"A - 12 x 5 x 8 cm (approx. 4.7\" x 2.0\" x 3.1\") | 481g (1.06 lbs)","offer_id":43792898490456,"sku":"BOE-A","price":125.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"B - 12 x 5 x 8 cm (approx. 4.7\" x 2.0\" x 3.1\") | 515g (1.14 lbs)","offer_id":43792898523224,"sku":"BOE-B","price":135.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0635\/1572\/1816\/files\/blue-onyx-elephant-argentina-12cm-specimen-A1-profile.jpg?v=1771901975","url":"https:\/\/legacycrystalsandminerals.com\/products\/blue-onyx-elephant-banded-calcite-argentina-choose-a-or-b","provider":"Legacy Crystals and Minerals ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}