Fluorite

Yellow Fluorite from Hilton mine in the Northern Pennine Orefield needs no introduction, although the wide variety of shades may come as some surprise.  We typically see pale saffron to more intense lemon-yellows, but sometimes, like in this specimen, the Fluorite adopts a vivid golden lemon, zingy enough to instantly make your mouth water!  Sitting on a pale whiteish-yellow matrix of granular Fluorite is a magnificent interpenetrant twinned crystal of this rich colour, both crystals being semi-transparent and beautifully translucent, and looks superb when back-lit.  The twins measure 3 x 2.6 x 2.5 cm and 2.1 x 2 x 1.5 cm, display concentrically-nested growth patterns on some faces and generally have naturally etched, slightly pitted faces.  The Fluorite contains sulphide inclusions and those which pierce the surface are mainly responsible for the pits and dimples present in the texture.  A delightful deep golden-lemon Fluorite from Hilton mine, which if taken outdoors into bright sunlight lights-up a stunning bright banana-yellow mixed with rich golden syrup.  Super yummy!