Detailed information
Species
Fluorite, Sphalerite
Dimensions
70 x 71 x 40
mm
Weight
272 g
Locality
Milpo mine Atacocha mining district Pasco province, Peru
Condition
No recorded repairs
The intensity in colour and internal gemminess of this large individual crystal from Milpo mine in Peru is phenomenal, so much so that it might well be possible to cut a lovely large faceted gemstone from it. Externally, although undoubtedly large, this crystal has naturally very rounded surfaces which in some respects diminishes its rather unusual crystal form which is a series of stepped cubo-octahedral crystals with small, matt, flat cubic faces and larger glossy, glassy pyramidal sides, some with scale-like undulating surfaces. Several 'lines' of dark brown rounded Sphalerite crystals are seen on the crystal surfaces and fractured areas of grey metallic Geocronite occur around one side of the specimen. The rear of the Fluorite crystal is two broad cleavage fracture surfaces which, without matrix, allows light to transmit naturally through it. With backlighting the colour and brightness of this piece is exceptional.