SOLD
flu33
Fluorite With Pyrite Inclusions on Sphalerite
Gibraltar Mine, Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico
Small Cabinet, 8.2 x 7.6 x 4.1 cm
SOLD
One of the most striking pieces in this find, that I know of, and one of my favorites of all Naicas I have seen, for the startling gemminess of the crystals which show bright pyrite inclusions floating inside; for the perfection of the display face; and the balanced aesthetics and contrast on bright, jet-black sphalerite matrix. This is a superb specimen by any standard, and shows the "classic" cuboctahedral habit of Naica at its best. The luster and transparency are top class, by any standard. The pyrites make it, though. Also, pieces like this are very distinct form earlier finds which had much more prominent galena association and less of the sphalerite. The rich, killer-quality sphalerite that is more common in this pocket is really quite unusual for Naica in any quantity, and with good fluorite in association.