RLIL14A-37
Fluorite With Pyrite and Calcite
Bethel Level, North End, Annabel Lee mine, Harris Creek District, Illinois, USA
Small Cabinet, 9.0 x 8.0 x 6.0 cm
Ex. Ross Lillie
SOLD

This is a highly unusual specimen for several reasons! It is, most obviously, a notable, gemmy yellow Fluorite from the Annabel Lee Mine where this is the rarest color to obtain in saturated hue and with luster. The Fluorite is predominantly yellow, with an outer zone of light blue highlighted by another, narrow purple band around it. This emphasizes the yellow color, all the more. The main crystal is an impressive 6.5 cm, and the Fluorite has very good luster, gemminess, and color. There are numerous 1 mm-size Pyrites on the Fluorite, as well a dozen or so little Calcites on one face. The pyrite association is not only exceptionally rare, but also is beautiful. You almost never see such a contrast, from Illinois, and this piece is especially attractive (and sparkly!) for this reason. Interestingly, there is a highly fluorescent layer of Fluorite between the yellow and the blue. Any way you look at it, the effect is phenomenal. There is one small and lesser corner on the lesser of the crystals of the presentation face that is dinged, but otherwise the presentation side is in very good condition and the major crystal itself is almost entirely pristine. Even better and brighter in person, as it is hard to photo. RCL0814