SM21-009
Fluorite and Chalcopyrite on Quartz
Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang Co., Chenzhou, Hunan, China
Small Cabinet, 7.3 x 5.8 x 5.6 cm
SOLD

This is a very rare combination from the Yaogangxian Mine (or anywhere, really) with a deep purple Fluorite centered at the top of the matrix of milky Quartz crystals and in association with bright, metallic yellow Chalcopyrites. The Fluorite group is dominated by a single, 2.8 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm cube with a few smaller Fluorite crystals at its base. All of the Fluorites are an inky grape-jelly, transparent purple with sharp edges, faces and corners. The dozens of loosely aggregated, well-formed, bright Chalcopyrite crystals range in size from 3 mm to 1 cm across with some butting up against the Fluorite cluster and the remainder extending laterally across the side of the piece. A single, doubly terminated milky to transparent, 3.8 cm Quartz crystal graces the base of the Fluorite crystal in front. So far as we know, this is a rare association at Yaogangxian. It is a balanced piece with stunning contrast of purple, brass, and white, and unique in my experience.