Fluorite - Rough and Cut Gem Set

Item Description

These emerald deposits produce the world's best emeralds; however, most collectors are unaware that they rarely produce gorgeous emerald green fluorite specimens as well, and this set is a premier example. We offer a truly unique rough and cut fluorite set from the emerald deposits of Muzo, Columbia. The fluorite crystal displays a colorless rim that abruptly transitions into an vibrant green core, both of which are gemmy. The fluorite is dominated by cube faces with minor dodecahedral modifications and the crystal faces exhibit a combination of glassy and satiny luster giving the piece and almost wet appearance. The crystal is nearly complete from the front display view and is incomplete or contacted on the back and bottom and the cleavage that it rests on makes it sit perfectly for display. The cut fluorite is exceptionally well faceted in a cushion cut and weighs 16.02 carats, 1.6 x 1.5 x 0.9 cm. The stone is a literally a glowing emerald green, is nearly eye clean and is an exceptional cut stone for the species. Together, this is a compelling visual object and talking point set. Although work is still being done to understand the color causes here, we were told the color in the stunning green fluorites from the emerald mine has nothing to do with the color of the emeralds per se (or coloration in beryls), but rather is due to trace amounts in the parts per million of the element Yttrium in the fluorite structure. Sets like this are few and far between. Much of the material went through Cal Graeber at the time these came out (over a decade ago, early to mid 2000s) and this did as well, and then into the Tim Sherburn collection. One more note on the color - it is almost a uranium green tone, not at all like the color of most green fluorites. This material is something special, different.