Fluorite

In the early summer of 2020, UK Mining Ventures commenced specimen recovery operations in a section of the former Eastgate quarry in the Weardale Valley of County Durham, England.  Originally named the Blue Circle Cement Quarry, it became popular amongst collectors as a fine source of colour-zoned Fluorite.  The new operation is named the Lady Annabella mine and this lovely specimen of intergrown cubic Fluorite crystals is from the delightfully named Poison Ivy Pocket.  Covering a matrix and core of ironstone and muddy-tan Fluorite, superb cubic crystals of between 1 and 3.6 cm on edge form a domed mound of acidic ivy-green Fluorite crystals with minty-cream green frosted face centres and gemmy ivy-green edges and corners.  The contrast between the cloudy centres and gemmy edges is delightful.  Under LWUV the Fluorite fluoresces bright lilac while under SWUV, it is a feint ghostly, bluish-white.  A delightful Poison Ivy Pocket Fluorite from the Lady Annabella mine.