Fluorite on Albite

Unknown Owner

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The color, luster, and transparency of these crystals are MORE than just very good for classic pink Chamonix fluorite and this came from a famous find of around 2006 noted for such intense saturation of color. It is more of a vibrant pink than the usual muted pink hues we have seen in most pockets of these rare Alpine fluorites; or the occasional red. This "hot pink " color is, if anything, more rare than red. The pocket was worked by French field collector Frederic Eva and collaborators from 2006, for a few years. Many crystals from this pocket had matte faces or more typical, if darker, pink color, with less saturation. This piece is lustrous on all major octahedral faces. This particular specimen features a gorgeous cluster of intergrown, mostly gemmy, lustrous, rich pink, octahedral fluorite crystals and is 4 cm across with crystals to 2.5 cm (an inch!). This is a perfectly balanced small cabinet piece on the rare matrix of adularia and albite (both types of feldspar). The crystal is really a composite of several octahedrons in tight, parallel growth so that the top resembles several glassy, pink mountain peaks - considering where it is from in the French Alps, a fair analogy! The fluorite is perched on stark white, partly crystallized albite on one side; and intergrown with transparent to translucent, mostly crystalline adularia (also a feldspar) on the other side. It is a great association with phenomenal contrast. The fluorite is in perfect condition on the display face and is contacted on the back out of sight. The piece displays magnificently. Note: although already "hot" in color with normal room light, the middle photo shows what it looks like with a moderate backlighting - it practically glows. This was a special pocket, and has remained unchallenged in this regard since the time they came out, producing several IKON level pieces. We have not seen one of these come up for sale in ages.