Fluorite (illustrated)

Item Description

Some fluorite finds stand out, even 100 years or more later, for a unique feature such as shape or color. This is a fabulous, rich amber color - and exceptionally good gemminess highlights this rare German Fluorite from the Johannesschacht Mine in Bavaria. The edges and faces of the intergrown Fluorites are quite gemmy, and they practically glow in even moderate light. The interiors of the crystals are clouded, possibly by Baryte inclusions, which is a classic look for many German and English Fluorites, as well as some southern Illinois Fluorites. The largest of these captivating Fluorites is an impressive 5 cm on edge. Considering the age and the size of the piece, it is in remarkably good condition, with just one small cleave on one corner and very minor edge wear at periphery. One of the more imposing and aesthetic German Fluorites I have seen, it is large and impactful and INTENSELY colored beyond any other more common hue of yellow I have seen from the region (perhaps due to the large crystal size to nearly 2 inches). It leaps out on a shelf and was one of Kay's most important fluorites in her most treasured suite of location pieces (Germany), and among 400 or more German fluorites collected over 80 years. Kay had one of the best overall German mineral collections in the world, which we acquired a few years ago in 2016. Prominently illustrated in the recent 64-page article on Kay in Mineralien Welt (6-2017). This was valued at $4500-6000.