Purple Fluorite on Quartz Pseudomorphs after Calcite
Mineral: Purple Fluorite on Quartz Pseudomorphs after Calcite
Location: La Fluorite Dulcita, near Tombstone, Cochise County, Arizona
Measurements: 3.7 x 3.3 x 3.0 CM
Weight: 30.25 grams
Description: From a one time find in southern Arizona first dug in 2013 by Bob Jackson. The calcite formed first, was overgrown with white quartz, the calcite dissolved, then the fluorite formed. These ascetic purple fluorite octahedrons and cuboctahedrons contrast the white coat of quartz casts after calcite. The original calcite crystals varied in habits, producing hollow fluorite-lined epimorphs of scalenohedral rhombohedral, and acute rhombohedral shapes.
This particular piece is mostly a floater with very little contact and lots of unique mineralization happening. Bridges of multiple fluorites connected mixed with thin quartz sheets reminiscent of the calcite it once was with single fluorites perched a top. Purple octahedral fluorite crystals to 8 mm on white quartz psedumorph after scalenohedral calcite crystals to 2 CM. Very nice specimen! Photo: Photos were taken with macro lens with combined outside and inside light. Stand pictured not included, however quality specimen box and ID card included. |