Description
Detailed Description
This large cabinet specimen hosts beautiful sharp, glassy honey-yellow fluorite crystals up to 1.2 cm. The fluorite cubes are translucent to transparent, and some faint fine phantom lines (purple) are visible. The contrast of these fluorite crystals against the matrix really stands this piece apart. In excellent condition, this one of the three high-quality large specimens from this find that I’ve seen. On this entire piece, one damaged crystal at lower edge of the fluorite group, to left of centre (the miners did a repair and some is missing – in the fifth photo it’s at the upper left), and one at outer left edge, otherwise you need to inspect closely to find small chips in inconspicuous places. This piece is in remarkable shape for its size and this find. Supported from behind to display as photographed, this specimen looks fantastic, with the best crystal oriented at top top centre. This is a dramatic, showy yellow fluorite.
About These El Hammam Mine Fluorites
The El Hammam Mine has long been a well-known locality for fluorite specimens. This recent small pocket has produced unusually fine sharp yellow crystals.
The hue of these fluorites varies, depending on the light source (common for fluorite), from a warmer honey-yellow under halogen, to a slightly brighter yellow in daylight and even a bit bolder under cool-temperature LED lighting. (This effect is different with each specimen, some show it more and some less). The depth of the yellow colour also varies from one specimen to the next thanks to the fine, faint purple phantoms in many of the crystals.
