Fluorite (fluorescent)

Item Description

Classic for the Heights Mine, and the Weardale area in general, these GEM green Fluorite crystals completely cover one surface of this large-cabinet piece. Seemingly two generations, the Fluorites blossom into light green, GEMMY crystals that reach up to 1.5 cm. Many are interpenetration twins, and the crystals have a slightly silky luster that gives them nice visual form, but still allows you to see down into the interior. Some edges are beautifully beveled, with some of these bevels becoming even more modified and interesting towards the corners. Mining at this historic English mine dates back to the mid-1800's, so it isn't a surprise that a few crystals show a small amount of wear, with little effect on the aesthetics. It is subtly different than any modern material. This is a good, old-time, representative specimen, and naturally the Fluorites have the classic, intense fluorescence that English Fluorites are famous for, and where the term actually got its name. From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl, 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.