Sharp Green Fluorite Octohedra From South Africa

Superb, sharp green fluorites from this remote region in South Africa have trickled to market since about 2005. For 2 years of that time til now, there was a larger quantity due to a spurt of more robust mining financed by outside interests - which seems to have tapered off again, now.  Production continues to be intermittent today, in both quality and quantity, but truly GREAT pieces are scarce and always have been. Fluorites from the deposit here have varied in color and size, association and style, but generally the sharp octohedron is considered the classic ideal of the material. These specimens were all cherrypicked for sharpness and transparency, by a mine foreman with exceptional taste in specimens. They were collected during the years 2007-2008, and put away, always with regard for aesthetics, freestanding and sharp octohedra, and an eye for the unusually gemmy and transparent pieces.  We have recently purchased this collection of over 50 specimens, all showing unusual quality. A first dozen are presented here, with the rest to follow after further cleaning and preparation can be done.

 


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GRF10-11 - Fluorite with Quartz - CAN$ 9190
Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa

cabinet, 11.2 x 7.7 x 5 cm
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF1011a.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF1011b.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF1011e.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF1011f.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF1011g.jpg]

A major cabinet specimen in every way! This piece has impressive, curving 3-dimenionality to the crystallized quartz matrix upon which the fluorites are growing. The quartz shape is concave, and may in fact be a cast after another mineral. SHARP, transparent octahedrons of lustrous and gemmy, richly emerald green fluorite to almost 4 cm in length are perched on the quartz beneath. All, but one fluorite crystal, despite the 3-D exposure, is amazingly pristine (and that one is at the bottom of the specimen and minor). The crystals literally glow when even just moderately backlit - and one can see all the way through them to the matrix. Overall, this piece, which is complete all around, is one of the most elegant examples of a cluster of these sharp green octos on quartz that I have handled from the deposit (and literally hundreds have gone through us in this mine's heyday a few years back). Comes with a custom lucite base for display.


GRF10-10 - Fluorite with Quartz - CAN$ 1634
Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa

cabinet, 10 x 9.5 x 4.7 cm
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF1010a.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF1010c.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF1010e.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF1010f.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF1010g.jpg]

This is an unusual combination piece with big, fat quartz points - rare for the locale. At the base is a cluster of lustrous and translucent, milky quartz crystals, to 5 cm in length. Stacked next to an dover-reaching them is an 8-cm-tall cluster of lustrous and gemmy, richly emerald-green fluorite crystals, to 3 cm in length. The color and texture contrasts are striking. The fluorite and quartz BOTH are complete even in back, contacted or microcrystallized rather than showing any breaks. It is a very 3-dimensional piece, hard to convey in photos. Overall , perhaps the most unusual piece here in terms of aesthetics. Comes with a custom lucite base for display.


GRF10-1 - Fluorite with Quartz - CAN$ 7659
Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa

cabinet, 11.2 x 9.4 x 3.1 cm
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF101a.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF101b.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF101c.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF101d.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF101e.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF101f.jpg]

A very good size and quality from these recent finds, which revolutionized what you can expect in green octos of fluorite! Emplaced on a thin slab of fluorite , elegantly poking up, are four lustrous and translucent octahedra of fluorite to 5 cm in length. The two large crystals are emerald green in color and are pristine on all edges of the display face. Other crystals are only contacted at the bare periphery and the small one to the right is tipped. When backlit, the crystals glow like gemmy emeralds in color. Mesmerizing geometry on this piece, as when set flat it looks like pyramids poking up from the desert (a drusy coating of small quartz crystals). Mounted as you see here, at a 45-degree angle, the piece fills a lot of volume and is visually very impressive. Comes with a custom lucite base for display. NOTE: this has a deeper, rich color in person than the photos are conveying.


GRF10-7 - Fluorite with Quartz - CAN$ 2144
Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa

small cabinet, 7.9 x 5.0 x 3.7 cm
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF107a.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF107b.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF107c.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF107d.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF107e.jpg]

A thin crust of quartz, with crystals reaching 1 cm in length, is the matrix for a beautifully nestled octahedral, gemmy, emerald-green fluorite crystal that measures 3.7 cm across. As with others in this pocket, it is RAZOR SHARP, pristine, and completely transparent. When backlit, one can see through the crystal all the way to its matrix. For added measure there is a smaller, finely crystallized fluorite attached to the larger one. The association with quartz, how the fluorite is perched up as if in a tree of quartz, really adds to its appeal as a specimen. Comes with a custom lucite base for display.


GRF10-5 - Fluorite with Quartz - CAN$ 1276
Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa

small cabinet, 8.3 x 4.7 x 2.1 cm
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF105a.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF105b.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF105c.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF105d.jpg]

A crust of green fluorite along with drusy quartz is the host for an exceptional octahedral crystal of lustrous and gemmy, rich emerald-green fluorite. The fluorite crystal measures 4.7 cm in length, and exhibits superb gemminess when even moderately backlit (glowing green, flanked by the white quartz). In fact one can see through the crystal all the way. Comes with a custom lucite base for display. This piece is absolutely pristine, and razor sharp in its crystal formation.


GRF10-12 - Fluorite with Quartz - CAN$ 5106 SOLD
Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa

small cabinet, 5.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 cm
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF1012z.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF1012x.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF1012a.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF1012d.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF1012e.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF1012f.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF1012g.jpg]

Perhaps our favorite specimen in this lot, this superb large miniature can be displayed beautifully from any vantage point, and looks fine 360 degrees all around. Emanating from a matrix of drusy quartz is an intergrown cluster of octahedral, lustrous and gemmy, richly emerald-green fluorite crystals supplanted by a single dominant and even more gemmy crystal (measuring 3.5 cm in length). This doubly-terminated crystal, and all the others, are pristine and RAZOR SHARP. When even moderately backlit, the crystals have an otherworldly glow and are completely transparent. One can even see the matrix through the crystals. Exceptional and exquisite, this is literally the top percentile of quality that this find has produced, and is rarified in the extreme! It seems pricey and frankly it is, with good reason; because I also paid a lot to get this stash of perfect, exquisite pieces from the miner who has hoarded them over the 4-year heyday of this locality (which is not tapering off). And this piece, I would judge among the very best of the find over those years for sheer quality, despite many of larger size and price. Comes with a custom lucite base for display.


GRF10-8 - Fluorite with Quartz - CAN$ 1225 SOLD
Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa

small cabinet, 5.8 x 6 x 5 cm
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF108a.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF108b.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF108c.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF108d.jpg]

A starkly perched, SHARP, forest-green octahedral fluorite is placed aesthetically on a small pedestal of smaller green fluorite coated with colorless quartz druse. This dominating, upright crystal is lustrous and gemmy, with a rich emerald green color, and measures a full to 4.7 cm on edge and about 6 cm in height. When backlit, the crystal literally glows - more intensely than most others here due to a slightly darker color, that is about the most intense this deposit has produced. There is a very slight, shallow but detracting ding on the tip which reduces the price, but otherwise the front face and display terminations are complete and it looks like it should be far more pricy. When backlit the crystal literally glows. Amazing and appealing! This piece is outstanding in its impact, more so in person. Despite the (very small) ding atop, I love this piece for the size and price range. Comes with a custom lucite base for display.


GRF10-9 - Fluorite with Quartz - CAN$ 2195 SOLD
Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa

small cabinet, 8.5 x 7.3 x 3.7 cm
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF109a.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF109b.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF109c.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF109e.jpg]

A pristine, SHARP, forest-green octahedral fluorite is perched aesthetically on a crust of smaller green fluorites coated with colorless quartz druse. This starkly upright crystal is lustrous and gemmy, with a rich emerald green color, and measures to 4.2 cm on edge and about 5 cm in height. When backlit, the crystal literally glows - more intensely than most others here due to a slightly darker color, that is about the most intense this deposit has produced. I like the way the finger of crystallized quartz reaching around to cradle the crystal adds stability and contrast. The back side has very minor contact but is technically complete as well. Overall, this is one of the more balanced, appealing pieces in its size range I have handled from this deposit, and is very choice in its qualities. Comes with a custom lucite base for display.


GRF10-6 - Fluorite - CAN$ 2808 SOLD
Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa

small cabinet, 7.5 x 5.5 x 5.2 cm
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Fluorite from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF106a.jpg]
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Fluorite from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF106b.jpg]
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Fluorite from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF106c.jpg]
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Fluorite from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF106d.jpg]
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Fluorite from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF106e.jpg]

This is a impressive cluster of RAZOR SHARP, gemmy, octahedral fluorites with unusually strong emerald-green color (intense even by the standards of this find). The largest crystal, at the top of the cluster, measures 2.7 cm on a side - and all the crystals apper to be pristine, all around 360 degrees! This is as sharp as it gets , the crystals so finely formed, perfect, and see-thru that it is hard to believe its actually this pristine despite its exposed points. Comes with a custom lucite base for display.


GRF10-4 - Fluorite with Quartz - CAN$ 1532 SOLD
Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa

miniature, 4.2 x 4.8 x 3.3 cm
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF104a.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF104b.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF104c.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF104d.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF104e.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF104f.jpg]

Jauntily perched on a drusy quartz matrix, is a pristine octahedron of lustrous and translucent, emerald green flluorite, measuring 4 cm in length. As an added value, the fluorite exhibits a lovely, faint but observable internal phantom crystal. This is a Very classy miniature! It is completely pristine all around except only one small asymmetry (i think, a contact) hard to see, on one lower tip. Rarely do you see such an isolated octohedron , let alone perched upright. Comes with a custom lucite base for display. I think the minor little flecks inside are minute pyrite inclusions, which would be highly unusual - but I cannot figure what else they may be.


GRF10-3 - Fluorite with Quartz - CAN$ 2553 SOLD
Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa

small cabinet, 7.9 x 5 x 4 cm
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF103a.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF103b.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF103c.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF103d.jpg]

One of the choicest examples in this size we have yet seen from this find, this is a cluster of smaller crystals which accent a magnificent gem octahedron, measuring 3.5 cm in length. The crystals are emplaced on a sparkling druse of quartz. When backlit, one can see down the depths of the large crystal into its matrix. Simply beautiful arrangement, and a pristine condition, make this a top specimen in its size and price class. The piece is pristine, front and back. It sits naturally on a natural pedestal of massive fluorite underlaying the crystals, just as shown. THE CRYSTALS ARE RAZOR SHARP! In person, this specimen just leaps out, way beyond the norm even for this already prductive deposit.


GRF10-2 - Fluorite with Quartz - CAN$ 766 SOLD
Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa

small cabinet, 8.6 x 4.2 x 3.5 cm
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF102a.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF102b.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF102c.jpg]
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Fluorite with Quartz from Riemvasmaak, Kakamas Dist., Northern Cape Prov., South Africa [db_pics/new2010/GRF102d.jpg]

Aesthetically nestled in a vug of lustrous and translucent, colorless colorless quartz crystals to 1 cm in length, is a single lustrous and gemmy, doubly-terminated octahedron of light emerald-green fluorite. The superb fluorite measures 3 cm in length and glows when backlit. It is totally seethru and pristine. Comes with a custom lucite base for display.



  -  12 specimens selected  -  back to the Galleries



Rob Lavinsky, rob@irocks.com

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