Fluorite and Calcite. Shangbao Mine, Leiyang Co., Hengyang, Hunan, China. 13.1 x 12.3 x 6.6 cm (5.16 x 4.82 x 2.61 in). ...

Description

Fluorite and Calcite
Shangbao Mine, Leiyang Co., Hengyang, Hunan, China
13.1 x 12.3 x 6.6 cm (5.16 x 4.82 x 2.61 in)

Let's dissect the word "cuboctahedral" in the context of this specimen - the basis of the Fluorite crystals here are particularly symmetrical octahedrons, with the additional truncation of cubic faces at the apexes of the crystals. The cubic faces are very smooth and flat, and contrast nicely against the interesting "stepping" texture on the larger hexagonal faces. Geometric jargon aside, this specimen needs no scientific patois to convey the beauty of it: the Fluorite crystals are large and encompassing, with nicely isolated with spikes of Calcite growing out of the host rock in-between. The Fluorite crystals are a deep purple, particularly in the cubic faces where sharp flat phantoms can be found, and backlighting reveals bright blue tones in the cores inside. The calcites are milky white with slightly colored tips. The back of the crystal has an unusual coating of Quartz that is both drusy-coated and heavily included with grey matrix. This specimen is in fantastic condition, nearly perfect, with any bruising being negligible.

From The Edgehill Collection.

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