Description: I'm pleased to offer this choice Fluorite with Quartz, Sphalerite and carbonate from Weardale, County Durham, England. The specimen measures 3.92 x 2.92 x 2.16 inches or 9.95 x 7.43 x 5.47cm and is in exceptional condition! This is from the John Weber (1926-2015) collection of Phoenix, Arizona. John's family donated his very large and varied collection to the Pinal Geology and Mineral Museum in Coolidge, Arizona. Its founder and curator, Dr. Raymond Grant (raygrantite) has asked me if I could help raise funds for the museum through the sale of excess specimens here on eBay. To this end, all proceeds from the sale of PGMM specimens go directly to the museum. To maximize the benefit, I pay all eBay fees and postage so that the museum receives the full purchase price. Thank you for your purchase--it is greatly appreciated! The specimen is accompanied by Mr. Weber's original catalog card. This indicates that he received the specimen as a gift from noted collector Gene Meieran (meieranite) in May, 1989. The specimen shows an intergrowth of large lilac-colored fluorite crystals with select faces covered in a druse of tiny and brilliant quartz crystals peppered with sharp black sphalerite crystals. Brown crystals of a carbonate mineral are also present--these are quite insignificant and may be ankerite, dolomite or siderite. These are all present in the many mines and prospects in Weardale--an area of historical fluorine, iron and lead mining since the 13th century. More recently, world class specimens of fluorite have been collected from the Diana Maria and Rogerley mines. The name Weardale refers to a broad region (perhaps 30 x 10 miles or so) in the valley of the River Wear home to tens of mines and prospects that have furnished exceptional specimens to collectors and museums for centuries. It is not a city, etc. This specimen is fabulously fluorescent--a trait common to many Weardale fluorite specimens. It glows a bright and intense bluish color under shortwave and longwave UV light with the latter providing the strongest response. These are world famous for their incredible fluorescent response--this is caused by trace europium within the crystal structure. The specimen is in exceptional condition--especially given its size. What might appear to be a cleaved surface on the front is actually natural and the piece is a floater. Examination with a loupe reveals an ultra-thin and almost invisible film around the piece--there are no signs of a fresh surface that would indicate removal from a pocket or mine wall. Again, Ray and I thank you for your purchase--you will be very pleased with this fabulous specimen with wonderful pedigree! Please check my feedback and my other eBay items. All specimens are carefully wrapped, come with complete and accurate labels and are quickly shipped. As always, your complete satisfaction is unconditionally guaranteed and I even offer FREE return shipping on any item that fails to satisfy for any reason---you can't go wrong. I'm reminded of the firm pledge printed on the old Foote Mineral Company mineral catalogs from more than a century ago, "Quality of specimens is assured as we permit return of specimens at our expense." Thanks for looking! I buy collections! Please contact me if you have a collection for sale or know of one that is available. I will pay a finder's fee to anyone that can point me to an eventual purchase!
Price: 185 USD
Location: San Tan Valley, Arizona
End Time: 2024-10-27T23:40:01.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
