FLUORITE ON STIBNITE. Unnamed Quarry, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. ...

Description

FLUORITE ON STIBNITE
Unnamed Quarry, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand

This extremely unusual Fluorite specimen is from the one-time-only find in the mid to late 1980's made in an unidentified "quarry" in Chiang Mai Province. There is a very real possibility that this locality is identical with the Bor Thong Mine, Ban Bo Thong, Prachin Buri Province, where Stibnite overcoated by Fluorite also is reported to occur. The chance of there being two localities for this very unique association is vanishingly small. Particularly since these two provinces are around three hundred miles apart. Whatever the correct locality may be, the fact that this is a wonderfully aesthetic combination of the two minerals. The transparency of the Fluorite allows the silvery, metallic character of the Stibnite to shine through the almost colorless coating like twigs beneath a coating of winter ice. Unlike many of the examples from this find that presented as one or two crystals, this has a matrix of a white mineral sprouting approximately forty "fingers" of Fluorite, each with a Stibnite prism as its core. Every 'Finger' bears thousands of tiny faces of considerable brilliance, producing a sparkle quite atypical for Fluorite. The whole piece looks more like an artwork from an alien glass factory than anything else. Condition is pristine and gorgeous. This may well be the best on the planet.
Overall measurements: 7 x 3.75 x 3.9 inches (17.8 x 9.5 x 9.9 cm).

Provenance: Keith Proctor [Hoppel # D2060]Provenance: Keith Proctor [Hoppel # D2060]

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