Fluorite (rare style and color) (ex Dr. Stephen Smale Collection)

Item Description

An older specimen dating back about 20 years ago (circa 2000) from the Xianghualing Mine. The most noticeable difference for me is the habit, as one rarely seen octahedral crystals from this locality. The color is quite different as well with a combination of blue and purple hues as opposed to the typical green tones we're used to seeing from this mine. Additionally, there is a group of tan colored compressed Calcite crystals, which I have to believe get their unusual hue from pocket clay inclusions. The largest Fluorite crystal measures 4.6 cm across, which is good sized for the locale. No major damage, but the periphery is contacted where the piece was removed from pocket. The piece glows with color when backlit and looks wonderful in any kind of lighting. A really interesting and unusual specimen that would make a great addition to any Fluorite suite or Chinese mineral collection. Priced at $1,750 in our inventory. Ex Dr. Stephen Smale Collection. Along with amassing one of the finest private mineral collections in the world, Steve is a renowned mathematician. His accomplishments include being awarded the Fields Medal in 1966 along with being the awarded the Wolf Prize in mathematics in 2007. You can read Steve's bio on the Mineralogical Record website ( https://mineralogicalrecord.com/labels.asp?colid=671&page=1 ) or on Wikipedia.