Fluorite

Item Description

A classic example of the famous Illinois Fluorites. This piece is an attractive and worthwhile piece featuring a gemmy, purple/blue (it changes color from indoor lighting to sunlight) partially etched cubic crystal of Fluorite with no matrix. The piece looks great when backlit, as the Fluorite is rather gemmy. It's nearly a complete "floater", as it's crystallized on all sides, but there are a few small nicks that keep it from being completely pristine. This material has largely disappeared from the market, and these pieces will go down as some of the most beloved Fluorites from any US locality. Good shape overall, with very little damage and wonderful color. From the collection of Colorado mining legend, Dave Bergman. Dave is now retired, but among other things, he was the foreman and primary person in charge of recovering specimens at the famous Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado during the late 1970s. He is also the maternal grandfather of Brian Kosnar. See Dave's photo mining at the Sweet Home on page 58 of Peter Bancroft's book "Gem and Crystal Treasures".