Fluorite (interesting combination of habits) (ex Tom Campbell Collection)

Item Description

The Xianghualing Mine is one of the signature localities in all of China for superb Fluorite specimens. The classic green color, combined with the superior quality and form of the crystals has made them a must-have for any Fluorite collector. This specimen has the distinction of featuring crystals with distinctly different habits on the same piece. You can see there are several textbook cubic crystals with smooth broad faces and perfect edges, but a couple of the other crystals are notably modified on the octahedral corners with dozens of tiny "stepped" faces. The combination of these different habits together on the same specimen is something that one rarely sees in Fluorite, especially with the crystals growing so close to one another. Typically a change in temperature or pressure when the crystals are forming will cause them to change their habit, but some of the crystals did not change whatsoever, which is strange to say the least. The color can best be described as a soft laurel green hue, which is amplified by the GEMMY nature of the crystals (nearly water clear in areas). The piece is highlighted by tiny compressed trigonal crystals of white / colorless Calcite along the edges of the tops of the crystals. The largest individual Fluorite measures 2.8 cm. No major damage anywhere, and very showy from several angles! Valued at $1,500 . From the worldwide collection of Tom Campbell. Tom is a mineralogist and mineral collect who works with us here at The Arkenstone. He has over 35 years of experience in the fields of exploration geology, mining, and applied mineralogy, and has even more years under his belt as a collector! Tom has described many new species over the years, and discovered the rare phosphates Tiptopite, Fransoletite and Pahasapaite. Tom was also a co-author on the second edition of the Encyclopedia of Minerals. You can see a list of Tom's published works here ( https://www.irocks.com/thomas-j-campbell-publications-list ).