Fluorite with Calcite

This combination of deep emerald green Fluorite with druses of snow white to creamy Calcite is a remarkable specimen from the November Gem Pocket in Diana Maria mine near to the village of Frosterley in Weardale.  Fluorite from this mine is famous for its natural daylight fluorescence, but this specimen holds a big surprise.  Once placed under long wave ultraviolet (LWUV) light not only does the Fluorite fluoresce bright lavender white, but the surrounding Calcite glows bright lemon yellow.  The combination is stunning.  The Fluorite forms cubic crystals up to 1.3 cm on edge and elongated cubes to just over 1.5 cm which range from transparent and gemmy through to white frosted cloudy centres.  The crystals are sharp and mainly single with the odd interpenetrant twin.  The Calcite has been deposited over the Fluorite and forms rounded to semi-spherical druses with occasional rounded lenticular crystals to a few millimetres.  Held in direct daylight the Fluorite naturally fluoresces intense deep violet.  This is a beautiful Fluorite from Diana Maria mine, and remarkable for its magnificent yellow fluorescence.