Fluorite

120 x 105 x 66 mm overall
up to 19 mm Fluorites

This large specimen is covered with cubes of Fluorite, with sharply terminated crystals up to 19 mm on edges. The color is dark violet, and the faces show satiny luster. Most of the Fluorite is untwinned but some interpenetrating twins are present. At least two generations of Fluorite depositions are present, if not more. Some of the smaller second-generation Fluorite cubes are very pale to clear. The reverse has several voids or casts, likely after Dolomite, which is characteristic of this pocket, where Fluorite was an overgrowth on dolomite, and the dolomite later etched away, leaving the original crystal forms. The color is amazing with back lighting. These famous specimens were from a Fluorite-filled, large Alpine cleft in limestone/dolomite marble, which is now a protected area. Collected by Robert Brandstetter and Oliver Konczer.

ex. Carolyn Seitz collection