Fluorite on Calcite

Item Description

Dalnegorsk is well-known for its fine Fluorite specimens. This locality is one of the few places on Earth to produce "ice" crystals of colorless Fluorite, which are chemically pure for the species (the various colors in Fluorite are often created due to impurities, but they make for some excellent chromophores). This piece is a showy example of the famous "ice" crystals featuring a few sharp, well-formed, gemmy, colorless cubes measuring 2.2 cm on edge, sitting atop a sculptural group of rhombic Calcite. The upper portion of the specimen features an etched group of gemmy, colorless Dolomite, which is not a common association from this locality. Good quality overall, no major damage that I can see, and the piece sits beautifully on its own without a base or clay. Valued $1,250.
From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#718 R), a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection through our various platforms.