Fluorite with Baryte

$2,500.00

$40.00 shipping
Seller offers an extended return window of up to 30 days
Ships from USA

Crystal ClassicsFeatured

Tucson, Arizona, USA

7,543 for sale·132 sold

This classic, colour-zoned Fluorite from Minerva No. 1 mine at Cave-in-Rock, Hardin Co., Illinois, USA is a really great size for display, with individual crystals reaching over 7 cm on edge. Comprising two main co-joined cubic crystals, their core is translucent, allowing backlighting to enhance the beautiful internal zoning. The crystals surfaces are not glassy, but more matt in appearance, partially brought about by an additional overgrowth of Fluorite in parallel - like a partial epitaxial overgrowth. However, it is the internal colours which draw your attention: the Fluorite crystals are mainly amber coloured, but their outer 8 mm jump from amber to purple to a very pale blue grey outer edge. Some of the Fluorite crystal faces are rippled with fine crystal growth, others much smoother, or stepped. A later addition of white to colourless small bladed Baryte crystals covers small areas of the Fluorite. A small cleaved corner on the main crystal is an unfortunate distraction, but for size and overall quality this is a really fine Minerva No. 1 mine piece. Ex Arvid Pasto collection.