Fluorite with Chalcopyrite

This remarkable Fluorite specimen demands to grab your attention. Not only is it from one of the all-time great American Fluorite occurrences - Denton mine in Hardin Co., Illinois - but it displays the most insanely intricate crystallographic detail worthy of any of the world's best Fluorite occurrences. The specimen is very sculptural and can be displayed in a number of orientations all to excellent effect. The back of the specimen is a rough surface, but partially coated in tiny Calcite crystals, showing that it had been naturally detached underground in the geological past and partially recrystallized. The Fluorite crystals, although cubic in form, are tessellated - lined up in complex patterns like a mathematical puzzle. In some respects the surface of this specimen is a like a cityscape, the Fluorite crystals being tower blocks, each with its own unique design, but sharing the same overall blocky outline, using the same 'building blocks' of Fluorite. The Fluorite is purple, but not quite uniformly so. Internally, the purple is deeply coloured, but the edges of the crystals are paler, or more transparent. This is well seen when backlit from the front and viewed from the rear. The tessellated Fluorite crystals are quite glassy, not mirror bright but reflective, with the slightest of surface etching. Many show inclusions of tiny Chalcopyrite crystals and these continue across the surface of the crystals as sparse golden flashes. There is only minor damage to the corners of one or two Fluorite crystals on the main display surface and a few around the periphery of the specimen but overall this is in exceptional condition. With appropriate back lighting the intense purple colour really shines through. A wonderful, stunning Fluorite in so many ways.

Unknown Owner

Product details

Species

Fluorite, Chalcopyrite

SizeLarge Cabinet

Dimensions20.7 x 12.5 x 8.2 cm

Locality

USA, Illinois, Denton Mine

Added on12/02/2024

Comments

Known provenance

Unknown date