Fluorite with Quartz ( significant USA specimen)

Item Description

The William Wise Mine was a source of fluorite for chemistry and industry by the late 1800s, working with deep shafts cut into the New Hampshire countryside as they chased rich, thick veins of fluorite. At the edges of the thick and massive veins reported by the original miners, were some small zones of contact to the host rock, with open space and crystals. Reports of crystallized plates weighing hundreds of pounds exist - although we do not know what condition or quality. In modern times, miners have embarked on several projects to go into the old workings for specimens, and produced a very limited number of fine pieces over the years, after much time and effort. This probably dates to the 1980s era workings and is unusual for the quality, completeness, and sheer size of the specimen with crystals to 8 cm. It is a riveting green color! If you have not seen one in person, it is best described sometimes as a color of saturated Crayola crayon, with a hint of neon color to it. The color is bright and "happy" and can be seen from across a room. Large matrix pieces like this were never common. This is without repairs and complete except only the most trivial of edge wear. This piece was donated to the Museum by Richard and Helen Rice, and long on display (comes with display labels).