Fluorite octohedron on Quartz

Item Description

Highly unusual even for the famous and productive Chinese fluorite deposits of Inner Mongolia, this octahedral Fluorite is a full 5 cm on edge. This large, single crystal is translucent to gemmy, has interesting and attractive tiered faces, and the purple and green phantoms within the crystal are really quite intriguing when illuminated properly. In particular, the green phantom seem to float like a skeleton within the Fluorite, and its sharpness can really be appreciated when looked at along the sawed bottom. Excellent blue fluorescence. Attached is a two-generation Quartz crystal with healed terminations. Combine the two, and the rather dramatic aesthetics create a very appealing, small cabinet specimen. Recently deaccessed from the Tim Sherburn collection.