Fluorite (multi-color / color change crysals) (Mined: 1964)

Item Description

An impressive, big, dramatic cabinet sized display specimen from the old Beihilfe Mine in Saxony, Germany. Specimens of this size and quality were rather hard to find on the market years ago, and exceptionally rare today. This particular specimen was mined in 1964 and is one of the best examples we've had to offer from the auctions from this classic locale. The piece is highlighted by a very good sized (6.2 cm on edge), sharp, lustrous, well-formed cubic crystal of Fluorite along with several other smaller Fluorites, free of matrix. On the exterior in reflected light, the crystals have an almost dark steel-blue color which ranges to a silvery hue on the edges, but when the piece is backlit, a myriad of colors come through showing intense rose and golden shades. You can see the underside of the specimen features massive golden colored Fluorite, so when the light comes through from underneath, the colors blend to create some gorgeous hues throughout. Like many Fluorites, the colors will change depending upon the temperature of the lighting in which the piece is viewed, and a warmer light will give stronger rose/golden shades, but a cooler temperature light source shows softer blues, golds and even a slight greenish tinge in areas. The piece is in fine condition, no major damage that I can find on the display side, and there are even a few small spots which show penetration twinning. A choice and highly desirable Fluorite specimen for any fan of German minerals, European minerals or Fluorite in general.
From the collection of Henryk Drygalski. Valued $3,000.