Fluorite (''phantom'' crystal) with Baryte

Item Description

The Berbes area in Spain is one the premier Fluorite producing regions in the world. The iconic cubic crystals can be found in collections around the world. They are well-known for their beautiful form, color and often attractive internal "phantom" zoning. This piece is a great example of this classic material featuring a predominant, 3.2 cm, sharp, gemmy rich purple colored cube of Fluorite with a secondary accenting crystal, sitting atop minor bladed Baryte on matrix. When backlit, both Fluorites features distinct "phantom" lines internally, a great aspect of these iconic Fluorites. I can't find any damage on the front/display side, but the piece is contacted on the back where it was separated from the pocket wall.
From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#55 ES), 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.