Fluorite (polished octohedron) ex Houran collection

Item Description

This specimen is part of the 2021 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium benefit auction, with proceeds benefiting Mineralogical Record, Rocks & Minerals, Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and mindat.org. Thanks to all of our participants!

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, August 23, for payment using PayPal or a credit card. Shipping will be billed at cost.

A true old USA classic, that I even remember from my own childhood, were these cleaved octohedra of Illinois fluorite. At shows in the midwest in the 1980s, we used to see tables of cleaved fluorites, cut purposefully along the internal cleavage planes to make these decorative objects. However, among thousands of mediocre examples and pieces for "fun." only a few ever stood out and attain a higher level of quality as a collector's item. This is one such. It is insanely gemmy, color-saturated, and sparkling. It is probably from the Annabel Lee Mine although it could be from Minerva, perhaps. It is 93 grams, and literally perfect. Keep in mind, to be clear, that this is a polished artifact made from a natural crystal - but also it is a classic piece of mineral Americana! It is bright and lively on a shelf, and among the best we have seen for quality. As a bonus, it has small stringers of marcasite within one of the tips of the octohedron. This is a gorgeous jewel. It is from the collection of historic American lapidary and gem material assembled over decades by (mineral and gem) collector Jim Houran, donated to the Symposium auction. Valued???