Fluorite (multi-color ''phantom'' crystals) on Sphalerite

Item Description

The iconic Fluorite specimens from Southern Illinois are regarded among the most beautiful and colorful examples of the species ever found. The range of colors, combined with fine crystallization and excellent display specimens had made them classics. This entire area is closed down, so no more mining will take place, and we will never see these amazing specimens again. This piece is a beautiful showy cabinet sized display specimen featuring fine, sharp, lustrous, very gemmy, cubic crystals featuring beautiful "phantom" color zones with a blue hue on the outer edges (best seen in sunlight) then a thin purple zone underneath, and a gorgeous golden yellow "core". There are some tiny deep reddish-purple "spots" of color on the surface of some of the Fluorites, and some minor gemmy colorless Calcites can be seen as well. The matrix is a mound of dark reddish-brown "Ruby Jack " Sphalerite. Very good quality, no major damage that I can see, and the color and gemminess make this a desirable representation of these now hard to find pieces. From the collection of Jason Adams, with a label from the collection of Charles M. Noll. Value at $2700 on the previous dealer label, but I would honestly put it higher in today's market, closer to the $3,500 range retail if I had for sale on the shelf at a show.