Fluorite (2 generations) with Quartz and Muscovite

Item Description

A dramatically showy, highly aesthetic display specimen from a find in the early 2000s at the Yaogangxian Mine in China. This wonderfully three-dimensional piece features 2 generations of cubic Fluorite, the earlier a lovely purple hue, covered in almost "scepter"-esque overgrowth of light green Fluorite. The crystals measure up to 1.8 cm on edge. When backlit, the Fluorites show good internal gemminess, and the combination of the two colors against one another is quite pleasing to the eye. The matrix is composed of several gemmy/translucent, "needle" Quartz crystals which are fiercely flaring in multiple directions, giving the piece a striking visual impact. The Quartz crystals are partially coated by orange-tan colored radiating groups of Muscovite, creating an enjoyable contrast against the green and purple hues of the Fluorite. I can't find any damage of note, outside of the underside of the piece where it was separated from the pocket wall. The visceral impact of the piece is undeniable, and this particular style came from a single pocket at Yaogangxian, with very few specimens as ornate and noticeable as this one. A fantastic specimen for any fan of worldwide Fluorites, minerals of China or specifically the Yaogangxian Mine. Valued $3000.
Ex Dr. Stephen Smale Collection. Along with amassing one of the finest private mineral collections in the world, Steve is a renowned mathematician. His accomplishments include being awarded the Fields Medal in 1966 along with being the awarded the Wolf Prize in mathematics in 2007. You can read Steve's bio on the Mineralogical Record website ( https://mineralogicalrecord.com/biographies_labels/smalestephen/ ) or on Wikipedia.