SOLD
IBF23-21
Fluorite
Poggio Balate, Termini Imerese, Palermo Prov., Sicily, Italy
Large Cabinet, 16.6 x 12.6 x 8.8 cm
SOLD

This specimen of Fluorite came from the pockets found during 2019-2020 at Poggio Balate in Sicily. The Fluorites are found in the area's Mesozoic limestone due to rich hydrothermal fluids that resulted in mineralization. Here we have a row of large Fluorite cubes, with the largest being 4.0 x 3.4 cm which is paralleling a ridge of smaller Fluorite cubes up to 2.5 cm, all sitting on a white matrix that is out of view. The Fluorites are transparent with satin luster and a deep cobalt blue color. The transparency shows off the two phases of Fluorite mineralization with the white to clear initial phase in the center and the vivid blue phantoms on the exterior. There is also a preferential white frosting on two different faces as is seen from this locale. The piece is in excellent condition with some minor edge wear. There is contacting around the interface edge between the crystals and matrix and one corner cleave present. The blue hue varies depending on lighting but shows it’s most brilliant color under cool LED lights. Purple fluorescence can be seen under UV lighting. A simply magnificent piece consisting of good visual relief, some crystal isolation, great color saturation and unique intense phantoms.