Mineral: Fluorite
Habit: Cubic Fluorite with Quartz ("QR Fluorite")
Locality: Quilong Mine, Guizhou Province, China
Collected from the renowned Quilong Mine in Guizhou Province, this specimen represents one of the locality's most distinctive habits. Known amongst collectors as QR Fluorite, these pieces combine beautifully developed fluorite with sparkling quartz, often displaying intricate internal zoning and remarkable crystal textures.
This specimen is particularly eye-catching, featuring large lavender fluorite cubes with dramatic phantom-like floral zoning throughout the crystal interiors. The intricate concentric patterns are created during multiple stages of crystal growth, giving each cube a unique appearance that resembles delicate blossoms suspended within the fluorite. Fine quartz druse fills the central cavity, adding a bright sparkle that contrasts beautifully against the soft lilac fluorite.
Warm iron oxide staining along some crystal boundaries naturally outlines the cubes and enhances the specimen's depth without overwhelming its gentle pastel palette. Pieces displaying this degree of phantom zoning are especially sought after by collectors of Chinese fluorite.
