Fluorite with Sphalerite

specimen number:
1052425

location:
Weardale, Co. Durham, England, UK

description:
Sharp crystals of mostly gemmy fluorite to 2.5 cm on edge across the top of a crystallized sphalerite matrix. Some damage present, overall though still quite nice. One photo shows the specimen taken in sunlight, the other it indoor lighting. The specimen comes with an antique label as shown at the end of the video and dates to the very early 20th century or late 19th century.

Weardale in County Durham, England, is a historic mining district that has been worked since at least the 17th century for lead from hydrothermal veins in Carboniferous limestone. Mining expanded during the 18th and 19th centuries and later included fluorite as an important product. The district is especially famous among collectors for fluorite, which occurs as well formed cubic crystals often showing green, purple, and blue colors, sometimes with zoning. Fluorite from Weardale is considered among the finest in the world and is highly valued for its color and crystal form.

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