Fluorite with Byssolite inclusions, on Calcite - image 1

Fluorite with Byssolite inclusions, on Calcite

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From a single large pocket of late August of 2019, this is a rare CALCITE MATRIX example of the famous Chinese pink fluorite octahedrons. They are so sharp that they look carved! However, these are entirely natural and matrix pieces like this, prove it. The gemmy and open pink crystal on the right edge is 2 cm tip to tip as displayed in the photos (1.5 cm on each well formed and superbly crystallized edge). The larger crystals reach 2.5 cm on edge. Only a few pieces recovered from a single small zone within the mine had this amazing bladed calcite matrix, making this a true rarity from the discovery; which is itself a now-famous find in all of China minerals. In person, in room light, it has a slightly greenish hue due to minute inclusions of hedenbergite or the same byssolite that shows as needles within the fluorites. The color is very dependent on the lighting - with the fluorite darker or lighter and more colorful, depending on the light.