Purple Octahedral Fluorite

Description

Densely intergrown octahedral Fluorite crystals show a remarkable progression from pale pink-lilac and lavender to smoky violet and deep purple.

This attractive natural Fluorite specimen from Zhejiang Province is covered with densely intergrown octahedral crystals. The sharply geometric faces overlap throughout the display surface, producing an architectural formation with excellent depth and cabinet presence.

Colour varies naturally across the piece, moving from translucent blush-pink and pale lavender through smoky violet to concentrated deep purple. Changes in lighting and viewing angle reveal further variation between the individual crystal faces.

A raised purple crystal near the centre forms a strong focal point. Pale crystalline growth covers part of its surface, contrasting with the darker violet zoning beneath. Elsewhere, frosted and finely textured faces sit beside smoother, more reflective crystal surfaces.

At 11 cm wide and weighing 453 grams, the specimen has substantial presence while remaining easy to accommodate in a mineral cabinet, office or interior display.

Locality: Zhejiang Province, China.

Handling and care: Support the specimen from its strongest area when moving it. Fluorite has perfect cleavage, so avoid impacts and pressure on projecting crystals. Keep dry and clean only with a soft brush.

The octahedral description refers to an eight-faced crystal form. In a group, some faces can be partly hidden by neighbouring growth, so the geometry is read through the visible outlines as well as the individual surfaces. This is a useful contrast with the more familiar cubic habit when collecting different Fluorite forms.

Fluorite is calcium fluoride and crystallises in the cubic system. Cubes and octahedra are among its familiar forms, but intergrowths, modified faces and changes during growth can produce much more complex outlines. This combination of recognisable geometry and considerable variation makes Fluorite a rewarding mineral to collect by both crystal habit and locality.

Fluorite can be colourless or show a wide range of colours, sometimes within one specimen. Transparency, crystal thickness and illumination influence how those colours appear. Its glassy faces contrast with more textured areas and any accompanying matrix. Colour zoning and fluorescence are separate properties; a particular response under ultraviolet light should only be expected where it has been recorded for the individual piece.

The recorded origin is Zhejiang Province, China. Within a collection of Fluorite specimens, this locality gives the piece a geographical identity alongside its particular crystal habit and natural setting.

The specimen measures 11 × 8 × 4 cm, with a recorded weight of 453 g. The proportions give a useful guide to its place in a display, with the individual crystal arrangement and mineral association remaining the principal points of interest.

Condition: Natural contacts, cleavages, minor surface irregularities and extraction-related edges may be present. Please examine all six photographs carefully; the exact specimen shown will be supplied.

Fluorite has well-developed cleavage and should be supported by its stable matrix or mount. Avoid pressing on projecting cubes or corners. A secure indoor position allows the natural geometry and colour to be appreciated while keeping the exposed growth protected.