Green & Purple Fluorite on Quartz

Description

A richly coloured cabinet specimen combining deep green Fluorite interiors, purple edge zoning and extensive intergrown cubic crystal coverage.

This compact cabinet specimen presents a dense, three-dimensional arrangement of intergrown cubic Fluorite crystals. The dominant crystals display rich forest-green to blue-green interiors, graduating into violet and purple zoning around many outer edges and terminations.

Numerous crystals retain clearly defined cubic geometry. Naturally textured and etched faces catch the light differently across the specimen, adding depth and character while revealing the layered colour zoning from changing viewing angles.

Pale translucent Quartz-rich matrix occurs beneath and between the Fluorite crystals. This lighter association provides strong visual contrast against the dark green cubes and helps emphasise their purple margins.

The specimen was formerly part of a larger, heavier and more rounded matrix piece. It has been professionally trimmed and prepared to remove excess matrix, expose the strongest Fluorite growth and improve its balance for display.

Provenance: Supplied as a Chinese specimen and attributed to the Yaogangxian Mine from its reported source, mineral association, crystal habit and green-to-purple zoning. The exact mine provenance has not been independently verified and is therefore not guaranteed.

Handling and care: Fluorite is comparatively soft and has perfect cleavage. Handle from the solid matrix, avoid impacts and pressure on crystal edges, keep dry and clean only with a soft dry brush.

The cubic habit gives the specimen a strongly geometric character. The visible faces and edges show how separate crystals meet and overlap within the group. Larger faces establish the outline, while smaller growth adds detail between them. The balance between exposed cubes and intergrown areas is a useful feature when comparing this piece with others of the same mineral.

The accompanying Quartz brings a silicate crystal habit into the association. Its surfaces and crystal outlines contrast with the featured mineral, giving the specimen more than one kind of growth to examine. The way the minerals occupy the same piece is part of its character: the setting retains their natural relationship and adds depth to the overall display.

Fluorite is calcium fluoride and crystallises in the cubic system. Cubes and octahedra are among its familiar forms, but intergrowths, modified faces and changes during growth can produce much more complex outlines. This combination of recognisable geometry and considerable variation makes Fluorite a rewarding mineral to collect by both crystal habit and locality.

Fluorite can be colourless or show a wide range of colours, sometimes within one specimen. Transparency, crystal thickness and illumination influence how those colours appear. Its glassy faces contrast with more textured areas and any accompanying matrix. Colour zoning and fluorescence are separate properties; a particular response under ultraviolet light should only be expected where it has been recorded for the individual piece.

The recorded origin is Attributed to Yaogangxian Mine, Hunan, China. Within a collection of Fluorite specimens, this locality gives the piece a geographical identity alongside its particular crystal habit and natural setting.

The specimen measures 11.5 × 8.5 × 5.7 cm, with a recorded weight of 511 g. The proportions give a useful guide to its place in a display, with the individual crystal arrangement and mineral association remaining the principal points of interest.

Condition: Natural surface texture, contacts, cleavages and preparation-related edges may be present. Please examine all six photographs carefully; the exact specimen shown will be supplied.

Fluorite has well-developed cleavage and should be supported by its stable matrix or mount. Avoid pressing on projecting cubes or corners. A secure indoor position allows the natural geometry and colour to be appreciated while keeping the exposed growth protected.