Detailed information
Species
Fluorite
Dimensions
105 x 90 x 28
mm
Locality
Ladywash Mine Eyam, Derbyshire England
Condition
No recorded repairs
This excellent plate of semi-transparent, creamy-buff Fluorite crystals is from Ladywash mine close to the delightful village of Eyam in Derbyshire, England. Eyam (pronounced 'Eeem') is famous for self-isolating (a term we are now awfully familiar with) during an outbreak of the plague between 1665 and 1666. Although many villagers died, they prevented the spread of this deadly disease to all surrounding communities and the decedents of some survivors still live in the village to this day. The nearby Ladywash mine produced very characteristic Fluorite and this terrific example displays perfect, finely divided sulphide inclusions which become more tightly packed towards the crystal faces. The largest crystal measures 3.8 cm on edge and when backlit the whole specimen has a splendid bright white glow with sulphide delineated crystal edges.