Fluorite with Galena

A superb small cabinet specimen of deep blackberry purple Fluorite from the Purple Rain Pocket in Lady Annabella mine, Eastgate, Weardale, County Durham, England.  Good sized interpenetrant twins cover a matrix of cryptocrystalline forest green Fluorite forming the base.  The twins measure up to 3.5 cm on edge, are translucent with occasional semi-transparent zones with a partly frosted, resinous lustre and crackled growth patterns.  Amongst the Fluorite sits a large dull lead grey Galena crystal, 3.5 cm at its widest point, displaying a well-defined octahedral end grading to a less well-defined yet complex crystal.  The Galena has a naturally etched, pitted surface and in one small area displays mild iridescence.  The Fluorite displays excellent bright daylight fluorescence and under LWUV fluoresces a uniform bright lavender white.