Fluorite

Item Description

A striking, 5.7 x 4.7 x 4.2 cm octahedron dramatically dominates this pristine, sculptural, aesthetic and rich large fluorite from this famous locale. William Wise fluorites might be the most famous fluorites from any locality in New England, with their seldom-matched, rich bright green color instantly recognizable. The variably textured to smooth surfaces of the translucent to gemmy crystals have good luster, which enhances the color even more. The crystals GLOW, when backlit and have rich purple LW UV fluorescence. From the personal collection of Bob Borofsky, the mine owner. He mines for fluorite gem rough for "the new American green gem", but also protects the rare specimen when found. Some years ago, perhaps 2010 or so, I bought his collection and this is a straggler lost in the lab cleaning, and not resurfaced until now in our back warehouse. We got the cream of his personal collection and this is a very fine large cluster of octahedral fluorite from the Wise Mine. Valued $2500-plus, easily, one would think. This is old material he collected 20 years ago. They mine for fluorite for rough now, not for specimens, and few open veins were found in any case.