Fluorite and Calcite

Item Description

Illinois fluorites are wonderful specimens found in nearly all major collections, but how often do you get a chance to get a truly fine THUMBNAIL example of one of the most important of American fluorite finds? Few seem to be around, at least few truly fine specimens with balance, association, and quality. There is actually a reason - you have to realize that for most of the history of the mines, right through the 90s until the age of the internet, the miners sold crystals by the pound. Truly. Up until 1993, I myself used to buy poundage fluorite in the district. And, these people had no interaction with thumbnail collectors, by and large - that was a refined and growing segment of the mineral community mostly on the coasts and at shows. Few thumbnails were recovered, cared for, and preserved. It is as simple as that. So to add one to a thumbnail fluorite suite can be challenging. This cute combo has a balance and the calcite association, which improves the display compared to the usual small singles we see. Exceptional aesthetic, purple zoned primary crystal sits on smaller fluorites.