Fluorite with Baryte (rare locality)

Item Description

Specimens from this somewhat obscure locality in the arrondissement of Colmar-Ribeauvillé in eastern France are seldom seen on the market. They are typical for a limestone quarry, featuring crystals of Fluorite with associated species, in this case Baryte. This piece is arguably the most aesthetic and eye-catching example we've ever had from this mine. It features a wonderful "blade"-shaped appendage covered with dozens upon dozens of sharp, lustrous, gemmy, beautiful purple colored Fluorite cubes measuring up to about 5 mm, which are associated with eye-catching, off-white colored tabular crystals of Baryte measuring up to 2.7 cm on edge, sitting on limestone matrix. I love the dramatic, three-dimensional aesthetics of the piece, and it sits beautifully on its own without the aid of a base or clay. A very attractive and fine quality specimen for any fan of European minerals, French minerals or worldwide Fluorites. Priced at $1,800 in the inventory. From the collection of Kurt Hefendehl (#69 F), 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 over the next two to three years through our various platforms.