Overview

Creedite is a delicate calcium aluminum sulfate fluoride that forms spectacular radiating sprays and hedgehog-like spheres of acicular crystals. Typically colorless to white and highly lustrous, it also occurs in vibrant pumpkin-orange from Mexico—one of the few sulfate species to command strong aesthetic prices on color alone. Crystals are slender and glassy, with needle-like terminations that catch light and sparkle. The best specimens sit on contrasting matrix (most famously purple fluorite), creating dramatic color and texture pairings. Because creedite is fragile and often pocket-damaged, undamaged spheres and intact sprays—especially on attractive matrix—are prized. Fine creedite is a classic of Mexican and Chinese mineralogy, with modern finds elevating it from a specialist’s sulfate to a mainstream show-stopper.

Popularity

Long appreciated by specialists, creedite surged in broader popularity after two benchmark events: the classic Santa Eulalia sprays on fluorite that defined the species’ aesthetics for decades, and the mid-2000s–2010s discoveries at Mina Navidad (Durango, Mexico) that produced intensely colored orange clusters. Later, elegant white/lavender-tinted sprays on purple fluorite from Qinglong Mine in Guizhou, China, brought high-contrast matrix specimens into the market. Today, creedite appeals to collectors at all levels: thumbnails with tidy sprays are affordable, while large, undamaged orange “porcupine” spheres or sculptural matrix pieces can command premium prices. Because truly pristine balls and balanced, unrepaired matrix specimens are scarce, top examples are fiercely competed for at shows and auctions.

Top Collecting Localities

While creedite occurs in several oxidized fluorite- and polymetallic-ore systems worldwide, a few localities set the standards for form, color, and aesthetics.

Santa Eulalia Mining District, Mexico

Santa Eulalia (Chihuahua) is the classic creedite source, famed for elegant colorless-to-white radiating sprays and spherical clusters, many perched on richly purple fluorite or calcite. These pieces established the “textbook” look of the species: glassy needles in dense radial growths, often with several spheres or sprays arranged across a contrasting matrix. The finest exhibit brilliant luster, sharp, unbruised tips, and balanced compositions where fluorite, creedite, and occasional calcite interplay. Production has been sporadic, and truly fine, undamaged, unrepaired matrix examples remain scarce and highly collectible.

Navidad Mine, Mexico

Mina Navidad (Durango) revolutionized creedite collecting with vivid pumpkin-orange spherical aggregates from small thumbnails to large cabinet “hedgehogs.” The color, unusual for creedite, is attributed to iron-oxide phases within or on the needles, and is typically stable. Aesthetics hinge on saturation, symmetry of the sphere, and the density and length of the acicular crystals. Matrix pieces exist but many are loose clusters; intact, undamaged large spheres with even color are showpieces. These modern classics cemented creedite’s reputation as a front-row display species rather than a specialist’s curiosity.

Qinglong Mine, China

The Qinglong Mine (Guizhou) is known for pristine white to faintly lavender-tinted creedite sprays and spheres dramatically set on purple fluorite. The contrast is superb, and many specimens show “snowball” clusters with gemmy needle terminations, providing a bright, sparkling look. Good pockets were intermittent, and truly balanced matrix pieces with multiple clusters and minimal damage are scarce. Collectors value Qinglong specimens for display perfection: clean, satiny-to-glassy luster on creedite, vivid fluorite color, and graceful spacing across the matrix.

Collector’s Guide

Evaluating Specimen Quality

• Color and Contrast:

  • Orange creedite (Navidad) is the most sought-after color, with rich, even saturation commanding premiums.
  • Colorless-to-white sprays can be spectacular when paired with strongly colored matrix—especially purple fluorite from Santa Eulalia or Qinglong.
  • Faint lilac tints sometimes appear due to substrate influence; they can add interest but are secondary to overall contrast and form.

• Crystal Form and Symmetry:

  • Look for dense, symmetrical spheres or well-balanced sprays with uniform radial growth.
  • Long, slender, glassy needles with sharp, intact tips elevate a piece. “Stubby” or widely spaced needles reduce the visual impact.
  • Multiple clusters arranged harmoniously on matrix increase aesthetic value.

• Luster and Transparency:

  • Bright vitreous luster and “sparkle” at the tips is a hallmark of top creedite. Dull or frosted needles (unless naturally so) are less desirable.
  • Partial transparency of the acicular crystals enhances light play.

• Matrix and Composition:

  • High-contrast matrix (most notably purple fluorite) greatly enhances appeal and value.
  • Natural, undisturbed matrix with minimal trimming scars and a stable base is preferred; elegant, balanced composition is key.

• Size and Impact:

  • Thumbnails can be exceptional if perfect. Cabinet pieces with large, intact spheres or multiple sprays are rare and top-tier.
  • For spheres, diameter and proportional density matter; big spheres with thin, crowded, undamaged needles are the pinnacle.

• Condition (Critical for Creedite):

  • Inspect for bruised or broken tips—damage shows as a “fuzzy” or matte fringe rather than crisp points.
  • Many pockets yield detached clusters; reattachments are common. Undamaged, unrepaired clusters carry a premium.
  • On orange pieces, watch for uneven color patches from cleaning or alteration; consistent saturation is ideal.

Detecting Repairs or Treatments

• Repairs and Reattachments:

  • Reattached spheres or sprays are relatively common. Examine the contact area where a cluster meets matrix for glue sheen, resin halos, or fine grit embedded in adhesive.
  • Under a loupe, look for a subtle meniscus or glossy line around the base; some epoxies will fluoresce under longwave UV.
  • Detached needles re-glued into a sphere leave irregular alignments or tiny dark adhesive dots—an advanced but less common repair.

• Surface Cleaning and Alteration:

  • Overzealous acid cleaning can etch needles, dulling luster. Compare needle surfaces: an etched, slightly chalky look suggests harsh chemical cleaning.
  • Orange creedite is sometimes unevenly lightened by cleaning; look for pale streaks or patchy color.
  • True dyeing is uncommon but not impossible; suspect overly uniform neon-orange on obviously mismatched matrix. A cotton swab with alcohol in a discreet spot can sometimes reveal dye—but test risks damaging delicate needles, so ask for disclosures instead.

• Assembled Matrices:

  • Verify matrix compatibility with known associations. Creedite on incongruous matrix types (or on oddly cut/flat bases with adhesive bleed) should raise red flags.
  • Provenance helps; trusted labels and dealers reduce risk.

Care and Storage

Creedite is delicate despite its sparkling toughness at first glance. Proper care preserves its luster and fragile needle tips.

• Handling:

  • Handle as little as possible; never touch or press the spheres/sprays. Support matrix from below with both hands.
  • For transport, immobilize the specimen in foam or tissue so no pressure reaches the needles.

• Cleaning:

  • Dust gently with a soft air bulb or the lightest touch of a clean makeup brush. Avoid compressed air cans at close range (the blast can snap needles).
  • If necessary, a brief rinse in lukewarm distilled water with a drop of mild soap can remove grime. Rinse thoroughly and air-dry face-down on a soft towel so water wicks away from clusters.
  • Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, and harsh acids—these can break needles or dull surfaces. Oxalic or stronger acids can etch or patch-lighten orange creedite.

• Light and Environment:

  • Colors are generally stable; normal display lighting is fine. Avoid prolonged direct, hot sunlight or heat sources that may stress adhesives (if present) or induce thermal shock.
  • Maintain stable room temperature and low vibration. Keep away from cabinet fans that blow directly on specimens.

• Storage:

  • Display in a dust-protected case. If stored, use individual boxes with ample padding, ensuring no contact with the clusters.
  • Keep separate from harder or heavier specimens that could shift and abrade the needles.

By focusing on undamaged needle tips, symmetry and density of spheres, vivid yet natural color, and great matrix contrast—especially on fluorite—you’ll recognize and secure top-tier creedite specimens that anchor any display of secondary minerals.