Natural History

Fluorite on Sphalerite

Lot Closed

December 3, 07:56 PM GMT

Estimate

3,500 - 5,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Fluorite on Sphalerite

Elmwood Mine, Carthage, Smith County, Tennessee, United States

10¾ by 9 by 7 inches (27 x 23 x 18 cm). Custom lucite base.

The sharp cubic habit displays complex surface features, with hints of purple contrasting the dark, reddish brown of the sphalerite group at the base of the specimen. Inclusions of bitumen can be seen as black inclusions that fluoresce a vibrant yellow-green.

Also known as fluorspar, fluorite is often transparent, making it valuable in the production of various types of glass. The mineral form of calcium flouride, fluorite takes on various hues, with this brilliant violet-brown specimen from the now-closed Elmwood Mine being a prime example.