Fluorite (rare botryoidal habit - 2 generations)

Item Description

Fluorite is one of the most abundant minerals around the world, found in a large number of environments, in virtually every color of the rainbow. Additionally, the species is beloved for the fact that it is found in a wide range of crystal habits, which includes in rare cases, botryoidal aggregates. This piece is from the well-known discovery in 2007 at the Minggang Mine in Henan, China and features beautiful purple botryoidal Fluorites, but what sets this piece apart from most others we've seen from this mine is the fact that there are actually two generations of deposition here, as you can clearly seen an earlier formation of lighter pinkish-orange colored botryoidal Fluorite underneath the purple layer. The purple Fluorite "balls" are partially enveloping the first layer of Fluorite, creating not only a beautiful color combination, but a truly eye-catching visual effect. This one really stands out from others we've handled from this mine, and if you collect Fluorites, Chinese minerals or "spherical" minerals, do not pass this one up, it's very attractive in person. I value this one in the $1500-$2,000 range retail for its uniqueness and visceral beauty. From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#939 C), 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 over the next two to three years through our various platforms.