RLIL14C-34
Calcite on Fluorite
Rosiclare Level, Cross-Cut Ore Body, Minerva Mine #1, Cave-in-Rock District, Illinois, USA
Cabinet, 11.2 x 9.4 x 7.3 cm
Ex. Ross Lillie
SOLD
Aesthetically emplaced on a single glassy and translucent yellow fluorite crystal are cascading sprays of acicular, lustrous and translucent calcite crystals to 3.5 cm in length. The specimen just has an amazing 3-dimensional aspect that makes it "pop" in a case, even though the crystals are not your usual gemmy calcite preference, perhaps. This piece is all about geometry and contrast. Lillie's own label notes "Superb specimen. Rare to find this habit isolated as a single crystal..." as opposed to a jumbly plate. Mined in December 1990. (Interestingly, the previous dealer's appraisal of this piece in the collection purchase which we split/partnered was $7500, as he felt it appealed strongly and based solely on aesthetics) RCL 2099.