Fluorite (twinned, fluorescent) and Galena

Item Description

This is a recent, highly representative Fluorite specimen from the Rogerly, Eastgate area mining of recent years. Penetration twins of Fluorite are perhaps the most attractive of the Fluorite twin habits for their dynamic, yet simple, form. These silky Fluorites, to 2.0 cm, are good examples. They have outstanding purple, light green, and clear phantoms, and the associated Galena is 1.5 cm. Although dark compared to some other pockets, the phantoms within are unique. Classic, intense bluish-purple fluorescence. In fact, it was English Fluorites that lent their name to the term 'fluorescence', that's how strongly they react to UV. Mining conditions can be difficult there, so pieces in good condition like this are a definite bonus. Recently deaccessed from the Tim Sherburn collection (he was a major preparator of this material and held back some choice pieces).