Fluorite ("phantoms") with Calcite

Item Description

Fluorites from southern Illinois are now some of the most popular and sought after specimens on the market since the entire area closed down. These specimens were abundant on the market for years, and undervalued because they were so readily available, but now they are incredibly desirable for their impressive multi-color "phantom" crystals. This is a wonderful specimen featuring a predominant 5.4 cm cube of Fluorite which shows a range of "phantom" color zoning starting with a blue exterior which gives way to a purple zone and then transitions into a golden core. A smaller sidecar Fluorite on the lower left edge makes for a great accent. THe piece is associated with many sharp, translucent, nearly colorless "dogtooth"-shaped Calcite scalenohedrons on the right side. The front edge has a small spot where there is some incomplete growth, though it's actually recrystallized, so it's not damage. It's actually in great shape on the front and displays wonderfully as you can see from the photos. The piece was priced at $2,500 in the inventory. A great, colorful piece of this beautiful classic material from the famous Minerva #1 Mine.