Gemmy pink Fluorite w/ green Yttrium (RARE) David Burgess Coll.

Item Description

RARE and fascinating bi-colored fluorite from one of the famous emerald mines of Colombia. An impressive large gemmy light pink fluorite crystal has an amazing rich grass green area. The subhedral crystal is actually three parallel-growth tabular crystals, that are crudely doubly terminated. The water-clear, pleasing light pink crystal has satin luster faces. The fantastic bright green zone is well-placed along one edge of the crystal. The Pena Blanca Mine is the most northern of all emerald mines in the Western Emerald Bearing Belt (Boyaca, Colombia), also known as the Vasquez - Yacopi District. The mineralogy of Pena Blanca is very different from that found in the other mines in Colombia, particularly because of the absence of pyrite and other sulphides and the presence of fluorite crystals of up to 40 cm between aristes (MINDAT). We have been told the chromophore of these unique green fluorites is parts per million of the element Yttrium, rather than the emerald chromophore, Chromium. The green area GLOWS, when back lit. Complete all-around and nearly pristine. The bit of bruising to one of the knife-edge terminations is noted and is certainly only a minimal detraction to this striking piece. Rich purple fluorescence. Ex David Burgess Collection, for whom Burgessite is named. Priced at $500 a number of years ago, this rare and incredible fluorite is valued today at $750-1000.