1
Fluorite with Petroleum inclusions
This is a stunning and unique Illinois fluorite from Ross Lillie's famous collection of Illinois Fluorspar District material, long since broken up and sold. A prominent, 3.4 x 2.2 cm fluorite "cube" dominates this piece, and it is exquisite in sharpness and color. It has a rich, saturated yellow color with just a hint of orange and it is framed by three other fluorite crystals of varying completeness. All of them are highlighted by a black petroleum coating locally that makes the stepped, cubic growth hillocks stand out on the piece and also makes for great contrast with the transparent yellow of the larger crystal. The piece is complete and nearly pristine, although it has a few small dings on edges that could be filled if desired, but they are trivial. The larger fluorite has its faces cleaned (perhaps with a chamois, or chemically) to remove the petroleum coating and reveal the outstanding color and its totally gem interior, while petroleum inclusions remain in crevasses within. Sublime! Ex. Ross Lillie collection #1082 and comes with a custom engraved acrylic base. We obtained most of the Lillie collection and sold this long ago to noted fluorite collector Jason Adams, who then exchanged it to Wayne Thompson when Wayne started in on fluorites himself, as they built significant fluorite collections at the same time with pieces going back and forth (Wayne specializing in the 2-3 inch size range). This has always been memorable.
Unknown Owner
Product details
Species
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions5.1 x 4.3 x 3.8 cm
Locality
Added on12/02/2024
Comments
Known provenance
2024/12
Unknown Owner
Not disclosed—Species and Locality Wiki Pages
Collectors of Fluorite from Minerva No. 1 Mine
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