Fluorite (twinned and fluorescent)

Item Description

The Rogerley Mine is famous for producing Penetration twins of Fluorite, perhaps the most attractive of the Fluorite twin habits for their dynamic, yet simple, form. Deep green and gemmy, this small miniature is classic for this locality. The larger crystal is 1.6 cm on longest edge. They, of course, have the intense bluish-purple fluorescence that English Fluorites are famous for. In fact, they lent their name to the term 'fluorescence', that's how strongly they react to UV. Mining conditions can be difficult there, between water flow and hard country rock, so it is a bonus when a piece comes out with so little damage. This is a fine, representative specimen for both the habit and the locality, and the fact that the main pair of crystals are nested perfectly right in the middle of this small cabinet specimen adds to the aesthetics. Recently deaccessed from the Tim Sherburn collection. Tim was a specialist preparation artist for the various past owners of this mine, for nearly 20 years, and kept some choice miniatures and small cabinets for his personal collection over that time, such as this, valued $1200.