Fluorite with Calcite

Unknown Owner

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Southern Illinois Fluorites are renowned for their color zoning, and this terrific thumbnail has dozens of sharp, thin phantoms within it. The coloration of the phantoms ranges from purple to blue, with the core being more purple and the outer half trending blue. The crystal is totally gemmy, hence the choice for the first photo, though this is one of those pieces where the true clarity is impossible to capture. Also, it is unusual, yet highly desirable, to have an Illinois Fluorite with both good gemminess AND good luster (which enhances the clarity). This is one of those. There is even a small, doubly-terminated, twinned Calcite on the Fluorite. An excellent Illinois Fluorite, purchased way back in 1955, it is an order of magnitude better in person.