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

Item Description

An uncommon Fluorite specimen from the Münstertal (Münster Valley) in the southwestern corner of the Black Forest of Germany (no specific mine was given, but it could very well be from the Teufelsgrund Mine). The crystals on this piece have a unique appearance as the corners of the cubes have a gentle rounded form, with an almost velvety or somewhat "waxy" luster on the surface. They are distinctive and unusual and really fun to view up close. The color ranges from a soft lilac hue to more of a gentle orange shade (from iron oxide content), creating a wonderful contrast. The largest individual cube measures 1.9 cm on edge. I can't find any major damage, outside of the periphery where the piece was removed from the pocket wall. A different and enticing specimen that would make a great addition to any worldwide Fluorite collection or specifically a suite of specimens from the Black Forest. Valued at $1,000-$1,200. From the collection of Chester ("Chet") S. Lemanski Jr. of Browns Mills, New Jersey (https://www.mindat.org/user-461.html). Collection #19502CL. 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.