Purple Fluorite Octahedron β€” Miniature

$54.46
Chemical FormulaCaFβ‚‚
Crystal SystemCubic
Mohs Hardness4
Specific Gravity3.18
LusterVitreous
TransparencyTransparent to translucent

Illinois’ Cave-in-Rock fluorite district produced some of history’s greatest fluorite specimens β€” giant cubic and octahedral crystals in purple, yellow, and green. The cubic cleava…

11 in stock

SKU: TC-MIN-0093
Category:
Tags: , ,

Description

Collectors say that minerals are the universe’s autobiography, written in atoms. Illinois’ Cave-in-Rock fluorite district produced some of history’s greatest fluorite specimens β€” giant cubic and octahedral crystals in purple, yellow, and green. The cubic cleavage is perfect in three directions; split any crystal and you get smooth, mirror-perfect faces. The purple comes from color centers caused by natural irradiation.

This specimen originates from Cave-in-Rock, Illinois, USA, one of the world’s most significant localities for this type of material. Collectors and scientists have drawn from this region for generations, and for good reason: the combination of geological conditions here produces specimens of exceptional quality and clarity.

Every specimen is unique. Photographs approximate the visual experience, but the real thing β€” its weight, its luster under a raking light, the way it catches the corner of your eye β€” can only be experienced directly.

Formation

This specimen formed through geological processes operating over timescales that dwarf human history. The specific combination of chemistry, temperature, pressure, and time at this locality produced material of exceptional quality that makes it a valued addition to any serious collection.

Locality

Purple Fluorite Octahedron β€” Miniature from Cave-in-Rock, Illinois, USA. This locality is known for producing specimens of exceptional quality.

Collector Notes

Handle with care; crystal terminations are irreplaceable once damaged.