Fluorite and Dolomite on Hematite - image 1

Fluorite and Dolomite on Hematite - image 2

Fluorite and Dolomite on Hematite - image 4

Fluorite and Dolomite on Hematite - image 5

Fluorite and Dolomite on Hematite

Unknown Owner

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This is a rare but classic fluorite from an obscure fluorite locality in England, which is why these have such a dedicated following. The Florence Mine is best known for Hematite, Quartz, and combinations of the same. However, very rarely, it produced these gorgeous gemmy blue fluorites which are so desired by UK collectors. Several small pockets were found, in the 1960s and 1970s and possibly earlier. The mine is long closed and these are rare on the market. This gorgeous rolling plate of dolomite features gem transparent blue crystals to 1 cm. Under the dolomite is a remnant of rounded hematite, on which it formed; and which was the actual ore being mined here. It retains the collection number 94 on the bottom, which is a reference to the (former) personal UK collection of former UK dealer Ian Bruce, of which Erika Pohl had bought in its entirety in the early 2000s when circumstances let it to be sold. She added it to her own and surely has the most complete UK collection remaining in private hands, in total. So it is a gorgeous, pristine specimen, unusual for the location, and with good provenance to two important English collections. Dr. Erika Pohl-Ströher - IB 94