Fluorite (large impressive gemstone) (ex Bob Whitmore Collection)

Item Description

The William Wise Mine, in Westmoreland, New Hampshire produced some of the most iconic Fluorite crystals from any New England locality. The larger sized crystals with their excellent gemminess and classic green color are iconic in the mineral world. Since the crystals were often transparent (and sometimes broken), they were excellent candidates for faceting. This impressive "deep step cushion" cut stone has a gorgeous glowing blue-green color and excellent eye clean clarity throughout. For those who are not aware, it is rather difficult to facet a Fluorite gem in this size as the material has perfect cleavage in several directions, so too much pressure will cause the stone to fall apart during the faceting process, and Fluorite is also soft and brittle, so it requires a deft touch to properly cut and polish the material, especially in stone like this. If you collect Fluorite, New England material or if you just like stones with a beautiful color, do not pass this one up. It would make for a great center stone for a piece of jewelry or if you have a crystallized specimen from this locality, you can pair them up to make a fantastic rough and cut set. This stone is priced at $5,498.25 retail. From the collection of Bob Whitmore, the owner of the Wise Mine.