Fluorite

Yellow Fluorite from Hilton mine in Scordale in eastern Cumbria is recognised and loved around the world.  It is truly a Northern England classic, although recognition of these exceptionally fine specimens did not come about until the late 1970’s when collectors and mine explorers investigated what had been chiefly regarded as an old Baryte mine.  This lovely small miniature has the top surface encrusted in reasonably gemmy, golden-lemon Fluorite crystals, which form cubes of 4 to 10 mm across.  The faces display simple interlaced square growth patterns and have a glassy whilst slightly waxy lustre while small sulphide inclusions are sparsely scattered throughout the crystals.  Hilton Fluorite is not famous for its fluorescence, yet under LWUV this specimen does emit a uniform lavender fluorescence of moderate intensity.