Fluorite and Calcite (old classic style)

Item Description

This specimen is part of the 2021 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, August 23, for payment using PayPal or a credit card. Shipping will be billed at cost.

A very large, very impressive old-style Yaogangxian mine fluorite specimen, consisting of large deep green crystals to 7 cm, draped with contrasting white calcite. This is a dramatic and large specimen, weighing 12.3 pounds and nearly filling a standard mineral flat. The coating of calcite looks organic, really, and consists of two generations of disclike crystals that extend 360 degrees around. Essentially you are looking at a mine-run specimen, cleaned only with simple techniques that reveal the color and texture. A little work in the lab and the fluorite luster would definitely improve somewhat, and you could carefully remove some of the white calcite in the back to expose more green fluorite, and let more light pass through, enhancing the color and beauty of the specimen. Donated to the Symposium auction by Daniel Trinchillo/Fine Minerals International. This major specimen needs a good cleaning and should improve significantly in the lab with a little judicious removal of calcite coating here and there! So, this is a double Symposium donation: cleaning treatment is also being donated by Sandor Fuss of Mile High Mineral Cleaning, and we would deliver the specimen on the winner's behalf for cleaning and preparation at no charge. Thanks to both donors on this fine large Chinese mineral specimen.