SM23-135
Fluorite on Lollingite
Huanggang Fe-Sn deposit, Keshiketeng Co., Inner Mongolia, China
Small Cabinet, 6.7 x 6.2 x 4.4 cm
Ex. Dr. Robert Lavinsky
SOLD

This is a highly unusual combination of rarified quality and precision for fluorite with a metallic sulfide species, from a small find around 2010. I purchased this specimen in China soon after it was mined, circa 2011, and had it back in the USA in time to include in our year long 2013 exhibition of China's Crystalline treasures at the University of Arizona's museum in Tucson. At that time, we thought these were on arsenopyrite, but it turns out that the metallic here is the much more rare, related species lollingite. The specimen features a sharp octahedral crystal to 4 cm on edge that is perfectly colorless… not even a hint of color. It has amazing luster and 100% transparency. You can look through it and see the blades of lollingite underneath and within. It has a shocking symmetry and precision in person that is simply hard to convey in photos or video, as the camera refuses to focus properly on the optically clear crystal. It can be displayed vertically with a long edge atop, or horizontally with the point of the octahedron facing up as in the photos. It is complete, save for a contact on the back that glances up at the termination, giving it a slightly bifurcated look at one point from a certain angle. Minor quartz is in association. This was in my personal collection of Chinese minerals for a decade or more and retains its museum exhibition label as well. It remains unique, although I cannot keep all fluorites all the time and have to let some find a new home. It is one of a very few specimens of quality I know of from this find. It has no repairs or restorations.