Fluorite and Calcite (water clear!)

Item Description

These razor sharp, totally gem Fluorites from Dalnegorsk are associated with two distinct generations of Calcite. The water-clear Fluorites measures 0.7 to 1.9 cm on edge and they are so transparent they almost look invisible! The first generation of Calcite ambles right down the front of the piece and they consist of translucent, cream colored, squat stacks of flattened rhombohedra that have a faint rusty tint to them at the edges. These stacked groups are from 1.5 to 2.5 cm across. The second generation of Calcite occurs as a single, pinkish tinged cluster of prismatic, "nail head" terminated Calcite crystals almost 1 cm in length. Both generations of Calcite fluoresce under short and long wave UV, however, and remarkably, the second generation of pinkish Calcites has less of a UV response than the earlier formed cream colored crystals. These Fluorite "ice cubes" are absolutely riveting and so characteristic of the 1980s production that we fondly miss from this locality, and the Calcites just add a really nice touch to this combination specimen. It is a very special and well composed small cabinet piece! Imported in the 1990s by Brad Van Scriver, sold to Bruce Carter, and later in his collection for some time. This is a classic! Better in person, and valued $1500-1800.