Fluorite (uncommon locality specimen) (ex Chet Lemanski Collection)

Item Description

A hard to find Fluorite specimen from this remote pegmatite locality in northwestern Argentina. The piece hosts a pair of gemmy, light blue colored Fluorite crystals, the largest measuring 2.7 cm on edge, sitting on massive Fluorite with a solitary Smoky Quartz crystal at the base. The interesting habit of the Fluorites is due to the fact that they seem to have experienced some interruption in growth, but recrystallized ("re-healed") on a few edges, so they're not damaged. The piece actually sits (precariously) on its own without the aid of a base or clay, but I wouldn't recommend displaying it like that. Fluorites are not often found in pegmatites, so this is somewhat of a rarity in the mineral world, and the fact that it's from an obscure part of Argentina makes it all the more desirable for any fan of worldwide Fluorite specimens. Valued at $800-$1,000. From the collection of Chester ("Chet") S. Lemanski Jr. of Browns Mills, New Jersey (https://www.mindat.org/user-461.html). Collection #14368CL. Chet was born 1947 in started collecting minerals circa 1957. He worked briefly as a drill runner at the famous Sterling Mine, in Ogdensburg, New Jersey and from 1987 to 1990 he helped convert the mine into a public access mining museum. He has held the role of treasurer, vice president and president of the Franklin-Ogdensburg Mineralogical Society (FOMS), and has been a board member and vice president of the Franklin Mineral Museum. The rare copper arsenate, Lemanskiite was named in his honor in 1999.