Fluorite (unusually iridescent)

Item Description

Here we have an unusual but captivating cabinet sized display specimen from this prolific locality. The famed Okorusu Mine in Namibia is one of the premier Fluorite producers in the world in both the scope and quantity of specimens it has yielded over the years. It has been the source of some incredibly fine quality multicolor specimens for many years. I have literally seen Fluorite specimens in every color of the rainbow (that included black and colorless) from Okorusu. This piece is from a single pocket in the 1990s and features a group of sharp cubic crystals measuring up to 9 mm on edge which have a beautiful metallic iridescence on the surface with distinct green, gold and pink hues. I'm not sure what the coating is, possibly a sulfide species like Marcasite or Chalcopyrite. Kurt described these crystals as "Anlauffarben" in his collection catalogue, which roughly translates to "tarnished colors", but it's not tarnished, it's a coating of another mineral creating the iridescence. There is virtually no matrix, so the piece is almost 100% Fluorite. The back of the specimen features some gemmy purple and green cubes that do not have the iridescent coating. A really attractive and distinctive Fluorite specimen that would make a fine addition to any collection. Valued at $1,500.
From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#63 N), a well-known German collector all over Europe with worldwide contacts to dealers and collectors. He started collecting seriously at the age of 14 and his great and varied worldwide collection reached over 6000 pieces. He was very active mineralogically until shortly before his passing in 2020 at the age of 82. Considering his collection had a large number of pieces, it still had an unusually high standard of quality from most worldwide localities. He particularly specialized in all classics as well as minerals of the Black Forest, where he spent much time collecting. His Black Forest and German subcollections went to his good friend Wolfgang Wendel. We at The Arkenstone have the privilege of offering the remainder of this great worldwide collection through our various platforms.