SOLD
IBF23-14
Fluorite
Poggio Balate, Termini Imerese, Palermo Prov., Sicily, Italy
Cabinet, 12.3 x 6.5 x 4.7 cm
SOLD

Spectacular array of multiple intergrown cobalt blue Fluorite cubes displayed in a linear fashion across the length of the specimen. Individual cubes are up to 2.2 cm in size. From pockets found during 2019-2020 at the Poggio Balate locale in Sicily. The Fluorites are associated with hydrothermal fluids that mineralized within the Mesozoic limestone of the area. The unique cubes from this locale show two phases of Fluorite generation defined by the initial clear to white Fluorite centers and the second phase/zone of intense blue phantoms. The majority of cubes in the piece are coated on two sides with a late stage of white mineralization that obscures the view into the cube from that direction. The crystals across the center ridgeline are in near pristine condition. There is some minor bruising along the base edge crystals that does not impact the display. The blue hue varies depending on lighting but shows brilliant color under cool LED lights. It has purple fluorescence under UV lighting. An exceptional Fluorite from a locale know for fine Fluorites.