Cubic and octahedral Fluorite (RARE form - rich color)

Item Description

Stunning, rich amber color and exceptional gemminess highlight this striking pair of VERY RARE interpenetrating fluorite crystals from this historic German locale. The two crystals have BOTH cubic and octahedral form! The cubic faces are self-evident with the octahedral faces having well-defined growth striations, indicating non-cleavage faces. The faces and edges of the cubic faces are quite gemmy and GLOW with rich color, when backlit! Cloudy yellow interiors, possibly by Baryte inclusions is a classic look for many German, English and some Southern Illinois fluorites. The striking pyramidal octahedral faces make the large crystal look like a rare modified octahedron and there are zones of reddish-pink in these faces. The INTENSE color and exotic form make this an exceptional fluorite from the locale. Lead mining started here in the 15th century or earlier, with fluorite extraction starting in the 19th and 20th centuries. The last mine closed in 1987 (MINDAT). A UNIQUE looking, richly colored fluorite with two crystal forms from the locale valued at $1500 when we purchased this collection. Bill and Anne were very knowledgeable and sophisticated collectors. They did not buy a small fluorite unless it was something interesting - and this competitive-level crazy crystal, is exactly that - interesting in a way that stunned the office here (we have too many fluorite lovers in house).