LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 January Signature Natural History #5000  / 

48246

Pegmatite Fluorite

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Rocks, Fossils & Minerals Start Price:13,500.00 USD Estimated At:18,000.00 - 22,000.00 USD
Pegmatite Fluorite
<B>PEGMATITE FLOURITE</B></I><BR> <I>Aguas Claras Mine, Nova Lima, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil</B></I><BR>99+% of the fluorite localities of the world are associated with limestone and other sedimentary rocks. Very little fluorite tends to be found within pegmatites; a type of igneous geologic structure associated usually with the formation of mountains. When it is found, the size is typically limited to one or two inches at the maximum. Imagine the astonishment on the faces of the miners (who were not looking for fluorite) when, deep in the mine, they broke into a hollow cavity; containing three large dark blue crystals. Outside in the daylight the dark crystals lit up in glorious hues of teal and turquoise with light purple areas. Standard procedure in most mines of the world is that if it isn't what you're supposed to be mining: you throw it out. Fortunately, Brazilian gem miners generally have had enough experience with these kinds of surprises to save them undamaged until a knowledgeable person can identify them. The miner's surprise that day turned out to be some of the largest specimens of their type found anywhere. This crystal group is the largest of the three found that day. It consists of multiple intergrown crystals arranged in a roughly reniform habit. In reflected light the color is so deep as to appear a dark indigo. When back-lit a magical transformation takes place: the entire piece glows with a stunning teal-blue light. The effect is like looking into a swimming pool of the clearest water at night; a swimming pool a hundred feet deep. It measures 7 ½ x 6¼ x 5 ¾ inches and is in fine condition with some attachment areas on the bottom and lower sides and mounted on a custom base.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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