Fluorite (bi-colored crystals) with Quartz

Item Description

A classic specimen of these beautiful and distinctive Fluorites from the Marienschacht Mine in Bavaria which operated from the early 1900s until the late 1970s. The Fluorites from this locality vary greatly in color, but some of the most desirable specimens are these beautiful cubes which show a deep purple color in reflected light, but when strongly backlight, show that they are bi-colored with a glowing golden-orange interior. The crystals on this specimen are sharp, well-formed and largely damage-free, though there is some peripheral roughness in spots. The largest cube measures about 1.8 cm on edge. Accenting white/colorless Quartz (some of which has a soft pinkish hue due to iron-oxide inclusions) makes for a great contrast against the Fluorites. It should be noted that the underside of the piece features a thin layer of Fluorite with a solid, rich "grape jelly" purple hue, showing none of the golden colors exhibited in the crystals on the top/display side of the specimen. Valued $1,500.
From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#201 D), a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection for the foreseeable future through our various platforms.