Fluorite (GEM crystals)

Item Description

A remarkable, big classic example of these iconic Fluorites from the Xianghualing Mine. This esteemed locale for the better part of 25 years has been one of premier Fluorite-producing mines in China. The quality and scope of the impressive specimens that have come from this locality is about as good as anything you'll find in the entire country. This large cabinet display piece specimen is loaded with dozens of highly lustrous, well-formed, GEM QUALITY, very soft silvery-green colored crystals measuring up to 1.5 cm on edge on very minor matrix. The crystals are predominantly cubic in habit, but show distinct dodecahedral modifications along the edges. You can honestly look directly through the crystals to see what's underneath, whether it be the matrix or additional Fluorites, it's almost like looking into an aquarium of Fluorite. Classic, showy material that will go down as true Chinese classics, and big pieces like this are fast-disappearing from the market. Valued $4,000 for the size, quality and the fact that there are dozens of completely transparent crystals on the piece.
Ex Dr. Stephen Smale Collection. Along with amassing one of the finest private mineral collections in the world, Steve is a renowned mathematician. His accomplishments include being awarded the Fields Medal in 1966 along with being the awarded the Wolf Prize in mathematics in 2007. You can read Steve's bio on the Mineralogical Record website ( https://mineralogicalrecord.com/biographies_labels/smalestephen/ ) or on Wikipedia.