Fluorite (gemmy blue crystals)

Item Description

Here we have a gorgeous, showy, small cabinet sized display specimen of the classic Fluorite specimens from the Minerva No. 1 Mine in Southern Illinois. The Cave-In-Rock Mining Sub-District is well known for its amazing multi-color Fluorite specimens that came out for decades, though they are few and far between on the market these days since the entire area is closed down. This piece displays very well as you can see, and it GLOWS with vivid blue color when backlit. Small spots of purple can be seen here and there and the lower/back portion of the piece shows a lovely golden hue with backlighting. The largest Fluorite measures 4.8 cm on edge. There are some small contacts, so the piece is not 100% pristine, but it's still a fine example of this classic material, and blue is the most desirable hue for Illinois material, especially robust blue cubes like this. From the collection of Colorado mining legend, Dave Bergman. Dave is now retired, but among other things, he was the foreman and primary person in charge of recovering specimens at the famous Sweet Home Mine near Alma, Colorado during the late 1970s. He is also the maternal grandfather of Brian Kosnar. See Dave's photo mining at the Sweet Home on page 58 of Peter Bancroft's book "Gem and Crystal Treasures". Priced at $3,000 retail.