Fluorite (intense colors)

Item Description

Weisseck is a famous mountain in the Austrian Alps, but not an Alpine locality, rather it is primarily known for Fluorite specimens from sedimentary dolomites and limestones, in a wide range of colors. The entry for this locality in mindat.org states that Fluorites have been collected here since the late 1700s. In recent years we've seen some excellent specimens coming out of this area, with intense colors that are truly mesmerizing. This piece is a wonderful full cabinet sized specimen featuring "stacked" cubic crystal faces that might appear dark / opaque in reflected light, but with good backlighting, there are saturated purple, blue and green hues that just GLOW. The color was impossible to accurately replicate in the video, as the blue color in the center has more of a green tone to it, but take my word for it, the deep hues seen are about as strong as you'll see in virtually any specimen of Fluorite from anywhere in the world. The piece is in great shape overall, with no major damage, but there are separation marks around the periphery where the piece was removed from the pocket wall. A very showy and beautiful example of these historic Fluorites. Valued $5,000-$7,500 retail.
From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#3 O), 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 over the next two to three years through our various platforms.