Fluorite with Calcite and Pyrite "snowcaps"

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This combination plate from China is all about contrast and texture, and it is subtly different from most previous finds in this rich multi-metallic mining region. A large shard of underlying light colored matrix is host to a plate completely covered in dozens of captivating, zoned, purple Fluorite cubes that are preferentially coated with finely crystalline "frost" of white Calcite and brassy, metallic Pyrite for wonderful contrast and differing texture. All of the rich purple, transparent Fluorites display internal phantoms resulting in a "cube inside a cube" effect that is enhanced by the underlying white Calcite-Quartz matrix as well as the white Calcite that coats select crystal faces. The same faces that are frosted by the Calcite also have a sparkling, dusting of tiny, brassy-colored Pyrite for added aesthetic appeal. The Fluorites on this piece range in size from 0.4 to 1 cm and are perfect cubes. This is a very diversely colored and textured combination specimen from mines in Chenzhou, China, from finds of 2019.