Apatite, Fluorite from Portugal, Panasqueira Mines

Panasqueira is probably the best-known mineral locality in Portugal, and with good reason. This old mine has continuously produced small quantities of really fine mineral specimens for decades. This 8 cm specimen is a beautiful example of what Panasqueira has to offer: large, pale fluorapatite crystals associated with fluorite crystals with a color and texture that might lead you to believe that they were some kind of treat. In fact, they are a treat—for your eyes!