Yttrofluorite on Calcite

$3,950.00

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The ArkenstoneFeatured

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In early 2021, a new find of deep purple microcrystals of yttrofluorite on calcite started coming out of Qinglong, China. This was not only something very surprising for both the locality and the species as this is much more than a rarity! Rather, it is a combination of species that makes for a unique style and a more special item overall. On this piece, there is a rich covering of yttrofluorite on brown included scalenohedral calcite crystals, with the largest crystal reaching 7.3 centimeters (a doubly-terminated scalenohedral calcite, sharp and perfect!). The yttrofluorite overgrowth (sugary purple sparkles to 1 mm in size) didn't completely cover the calcite on this piece, giving a glimpse to how thin these coatings are. Yttrofluorite is a rare variety of fluorite where yttrium is taking the place of calcium in the crystal structure. Initially described as a new species, it was discredited and recategorized as a variety of fluorite by the IMA in 2006.