Skip to product information
1 of 2

CC35681

FLUORITE with QUARTZ Epimorph

FLUORITE with QUARTZ Epimorph


Size:
74 x 103 x 45 mm
Regular price $2,200.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $2,200.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
View full details

Detailed information

Species Fluorite, Quartz
Dimensions 74 x 103 x 45 mm
Locality Fontsante Mine, Tanneron Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur France
Condition Stabilized
Well-known for Fluorite in many colours, the Fontsante mine at Tanneron in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, in the south of France was an important fluorspar mine from 1919 to 1987. It is know to have produced a variety of crystal forms too, with small cubic crystals the dominant form, along with massive colour-banded lapidary-grade material and rarer octahedral crystal forms. This cabinet-sized display plate from Fontsante mine is a really oddity, a peculiarity rarely seen from this mine, and indeed anywhere else. Paragenetically, it is a really fascinating specimen, but is showy too, striking that rare balance between complexity and beauty. It has to be noted that the Fluorite here is not gemmy, but its purple colour does stand out against its white and cream associates. A thin bed of white finely crystallized Quartz is punctuated and partially overgrown by extremely well-formed octahedral Fluorite crystals which have been allowed to crystallize perfectly into an open space. Afterwards, a thin layer of finely crystallized cream coloured Quartz has encapsulated the Fluorite crystals preserving their octahedral form. One of the larger Fluorite crystals (2.5 cm on edge) has been re-exposed to show the original purple crystal, but another neighbouring crystals is an octahedral epimorph, showing complete dissolution of the original Fluorite. A truly remarkable specimen from the south of France. Although undamaged the thinner end of the specimen has been stabilized to prevent breakage. Note, it has been suggested that this piece might be from Level 789, Vein 4 at Barlet mine, Langeac, Brioude, Haute-Loire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France, but despite detailed research we have not been able to prove this.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I order a specimen?

Start by adding the specimen to your cart and either log in or, if you haven't done so already, create an account by registering. Once you have logged in confirm your shipping details are correct, select your preferred shipping method and proceed to the payment screen.

Please note that we do not send any specimen on approval without payment.

What shipping methods do you offer?

We offer a number of different shipping methods, depending on locality and availability. Generally we try to ship using a courier to ensure the speedy and safe delivery of your new mineral specimen, however, other methods are available upon request.

What payment methods do you accept?

Crystal Classics have the ability to accept credit or debit card payments, or payments via PayPal. We currently accept payments from the following card types:

  • Mastercard
  • Visa
  • Visa Debit
  • Discover
  • JCB

At present, we cannot accept payments using American Express.

We can also accept payments via cheque or bank transfer. If you wish to purchase a specimen and pay using either of these methods, please contact us.

I bought a specimen but it is not what I expected or was damaged in transit. Can I return the specimen?

Inevitably, sometimes things don't go as expected. Whether the specimen is damaged in transit or the identity is incorrect, we are aware that this can result in the return of a specimen.If your specimen is damaged during shipping, it is vitally important to take a photo of the packaging and specimen in situ. By recording this, we get an idea of the nature and possible reason behind the damage and will be able to process the return much faster.If you discover that the mineral species has been misidentified, we require details of the method of identification in order to understand why you believe this to be the case. If the identity is in question but no formal analysis has been attempted, Crystal Classics will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, this may mean the specimen is sent for analysis to determine the identity.In any scenario where a specimen is analysed and the species in question is not present on the specimen, we will provide a full refund.If you feel that the specimen was misrepresented in any way, please ensure you make contact with us within the 30 day grace period for resolution.In all instances, please ensure that you call or e-mail us immediately, prior to the return of a specimen to Crystal Classics, so that we can advise regarding the returns procedure. Failure to contact us prior to the return of a specimen may lead to the rejection of your return.Shipping costs of all returns are to be covered by the customer, unless the specimen was damaged in transit or if the identity is incorrect.