FLUORITE & CALCITE "JEWEL BOX". ...

Description

FLUORITE & CALCITE "JEWEL BOX"
Denton Mine, Goose Creek Mine Group, Harris Creek Sub-District, Illinois - Kentucky Fluorspar District, Hardin Co., Illinois, USA
Now that the Fluorite mines of Hardin County, Illinois are closed, collector interest in these colorful specimens has skyrocketed. Considered to be the most desirable are ones with contrasting 'phantom zones' - areas with clearly defined banding that mimics the crystals' exterior in form. Of the various colors that are possible in material from Illinois, the combination of yellow-orange and blue-violet are rated most highly. This large Fluorite & Calcite "Jewel Box" features sharp, cubic crystals to 3 1/8 inches (7.9 cm) on edge with cores of golden yellow-orange overcoated conformably by pale blue-violet, with enough transparency to view the complete color display. When backlit, this specimen displays absolutely stunning color and form - illustrated by the two photos: showing the appearance of the specimen in both reflected and transmitted light. As a lagniappe, Mother Nature saw fit to include a honey colored Calcite crystal in the very center of the group: this perfect crystal is 1 5/8 inches (4.1 cm) across and possesses a multitude of glassy, complex faces: much like a faceted gem. This specimen was hidden away for years in the notable private Fluorite collection of Dr. Richard Heck; it was considered one of the top five pieces of the collection. In excellent condition, the overall measurements are 8 x 4¾ x 4¾ inches (20.3 x 12 x 12 cm) and it has a custom labeled base.

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