Fluorite on Siderite

Item Description

Fluorite crystals to 5.5 cm on edge gracefully slide down the siderite matrix on this large display specimen (1.65 kilos!). It is a dramatic specimen of old, classic, 1980s-1990s style and looks incredible from a distance. Up close, we need to note there is minor damage to some peripheral crystals and one corner missing on the #3 crystal to the right, but you do not see those from afar. The main crystal is intact, gemmy, sharp, and transparent so you can see the matrix underneath. This is a beautiful specimen, overall, and quite a survivor of the early days of Russian mineral exports. Like many of the Russian pieces in the collection, Fran obtained specimens directly from the source when possible, mostly back in the 1990s as they came out.