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Casimir Sarisky
Joined: 14 Jun 2015
Posts: 56
Location: Maryland



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Posted: Jun 15, 2015 14:22 Post subject: Fluorite Collectors, Which Fluorite Should I Add As My Flagship Of My Collection? |
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Alright, I am relatively new to the hobby of collecting minerals. The main mineral that appeals to me is fluorite. Unfortunately, with my limited funds I cannot acquire the most visually appealing specimens available on the market. I have only several hundred dollars to spare at any given time.
So that means that I can only acquire one great specimen as the "flagship" of my collection. With the numerous localities for this common mineral, what would be the ideal choice to be the main piece to my collection? Personally I would love a specimen with gemmy blue and/or green color and be a cabinet or large cabinet sized. As a floater or with a limited matrix. In pristine condition with no damage.
Fluorites from Okorusu (the older versions that are more gemmy from the 70s'-80's) looked to be a good choice but the ones I see now are not as good quality as I would like and are typically flat plate specimens. I cannot seem to locate the classic versions which were more gemmy online.
Any other fluorite localities that have visually appealing blue and/or green fluorite specimens? I already have two from China so I would like another locality since I would like to acquire minerals from different localities. |
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kushmeja
Joined: 28 Jul 2014
Posts: 244
Location: New Jersey



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Posted: Jun 15, 2015 14:36 Post subject: Re: Fluorite Collectors, Which Fluorite Should I Add As My Flagship Of My Collection? |
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I have a decent fluorite collection, and my favorites are from Riemvasmaak in Northern Cape Province, South Africa - definitely worth checking them out. They tend to have complex triangular morphology with vivid green color, so they look great in my opinion.
Rogerley Mine in Weardale district, County Durham, England also has killer fluorite that changes color depending on the type of light, because their fluorescent to some extent in daylight. They tend to change from green in incandescent light to a deep blue in daylight. |
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GneissWare

Joined: 07 Mar 2008
Posts: 1287
Location: California



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Posted: Jun 15, 2015 15:55 Post subject: Re: Fluorite Collectors, Which Fluorite Should I Add As My Flagship Of My Collection? |
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Casimir Sarisky wrote: | Alright, I am relatively new to the hobby of collecting minerals. My main mineral that appeals to me is fluorite. Unfortunately, with my limited funds I cannot acquire the most visually appealing specimens available on the market.
So that means that I can only acquire one great specimen as the "flagship" of my collection. With the numerous localities for this common mineral, what would be the ideal choice to be the main piece to my collection? Personally I would love a specimen with gemmy blue and/or green color and be a cabinet or large cabinet sized. As a floater or with a limited matrix. In pristine condition with no damages.
Any other fluorite localities that have visually appealing blue and/or green fluorite specimens? I already have two from China so I would like another locality since I would like to acquire minerals from different localities. |
You have posed a nearly impossible question to answer, as what you would consider a flagship piece is based on your own personal preferences. Some may like very complex crystals, others simple but glassy crystals. At the end of the day, you have to buy something that speaks to you. And, as you continue collecting, realize that your tastes may change, and that flagship specimen that you thought to be so wonderful, may be replaced by something else that strikes your fancy.
That said, China produces many fabulous and relatively affordable Fluorite specimens in all colors of the rainbow, from many hundreds of localities, so don't just discount China because you already have a few. Yaogangxian has produced wonderful blue and green crystals, with nice matrix associations. De'an has also produced Fluorites in the same colors, usually as octahedrons, but also with dodecahedral modifications (these are not very pricey either, and a new find was recently made).
Spain has produced outstanding blues, as has New Mexico. Mexico also has some excellent localities.
Go to local shows and look at displays and dealer stocks, and educate yourself on what is currently available in the marketplace. Newer specimens may be more affordable than older classic specimens. If you see something you really like, tell the dealer so, and ask nicely for a discount. Many dealers really like minerals, and like that other people appreciate them, so they may be willing to help you out. Also, note that there are lots of variability in pricing, and if you are willing to walk around, look and talk to people, you can find some great bargains.
Good luck! |
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Casimir Sarisky
Joined: 14 Jun 2015
Posts: 56
Location: Maryland



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Posted: Jun 15, 2015 17:44 Post subject: Re: Fluorite Collectors, Which Fluorite Should I Add As My Flagship Of My Collection? |
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kushmeja wrote: | I have a decent fluorite collection, and my favorites are from Riemvasmaak in Northern Cape Province, South Africa - definitely worth checking them out. They tend to have complex triangular morphology with vivid green color, so they look great in my opinion.
Rogerley Mine in Weardale district, County Durham, England also has killer fluorite that changes color depending on the type of light, because their fluorescent to some extent in daylight. They tend to change from green in incandescent light to a deep blue in daylight. |
Thanks for the recommendations. I have seen Rogerley fluorite in person, and they do look quite appealing. |
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Casimir Sarisky
Joined: 14 Jun 2015
Posts: 56
Location: Maryland



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Posted: Jun 15, 2015 17:51 Post subject: Re: Fluorite Collectors, Which Fluorite Should I Add As My Flagship Of My Collection? |
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GneissWare wrote: | Casimir Sarisky wrote: | Alright, I am relatively new to the hobby of collecting minerals. My main mineral that appeals to me is fluorite. Unfortunately, with my limited funds I cannot acquire the most visually appealing specimens available on the market.
So that means that I can only acquire one great specimen as the "flagship" of my collection. With the numerous localities for this common mineral, what would be the ideal choice to be the main piece to my collection? Personally I would love a specimen with gemmy blue and/or green color and be a cabinet or large cabinet sized. As a floater or with a limited matrix. In pristine condition with no damages.
Any other fluorite localities that have visually appealing blue and/or green fluorite specimens? I already have two from China so I would like another locality since I would like to acquire minerals from different localities. |
You have posed a nearly impossible question to answer, as what you would consider a flagship piece is based on your own personal preferences. Some may like very complex crystals, others simple but glassy crystals. At the end of the day, you have to buy something that speaks to you. And, as you continue collecting, realize that your tastes may change, and that flagship specimen that you thought to be so wonderful, may be replaced by something else that strikes your fancy.
That said, China produces many fabulous and relatively affordable Fluorite specimens in all colors of the rainbow, from many hundreds of localities, so don't just discount China because you already have a few. Yaogangxian has produced wonderful blue and green crystals, with nice matrix associations. De'an has also produced Fluorites in the same colors, usually as octahedrons, but also with dodecahedral modifications (these are not very pricey either, and a new find was recently made).
Spain has produced outstanding blues, as has New Mexico. Mexico also has some excellent localities.
Go to local shows and look at displays and dealer stocks, and educate yourself on what is currently available in the marketplace. Newer specimens may be more affordable than older classic specimens. If you see something you really like, tell the dealer so, and ask nicely for a discount. Many dealers really like minerals, and like that other people appreciate them, so they may be willing to help you out. Also, note that there are lots of variability in pricing, and if you are willing to walk around, look and talk to people, you can find some great bargains.
Good luck! |
You are right about being impossible to determine a person's tastes in what they find appealing in a specimen, but for me color is what really attracts me to specimens. For others it may be its shape, rarity, locality. etc...
I have went to a mineral show earlier this year where I live. Seeing the fluorite in-person did help a bit on which colors I was interested in. Unfortunately if my memory serves me correctly, the selection of various fluorite was quite limited to what I have seen online.
According to what I have read online, there will be no more shows coming around my area for the remainder of this year.
Thanks for the advice. |
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GneissWare

Joined: 07 Mar 2008
Posts: 1287
Location: California



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Posted: Jun 15, 2015 19:35 Post subject: Re: Fluorite Collectors, Which Fluorite Should I Add As My Flagship Of My Collection? |
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You should really try to attend the East Coast Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show, West Springfield, MA on August 7–9, 2015. There will be exceptional exhibits, and many mineral dealers. I can assure you that the quality level will be higher than most places on the internet. |
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Joseph DOliveira

Joined: 29 Jan 2012
Posts: 311
Location: Hanmer, Ontario



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Posted: Jun 15, 2015 20:36 Post subject: Re: Fluorite Collectors, Which Fluorite Should I Add As My Flagship Of My Collection? |
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GneissWare wrote: | You should really try to attend the East Coast Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show, West Springfield, MA on August 7–9, 2015. There will be exceptional exhibits, and many mineral dealers. I can assure you that the quality level will be higher than most places on the internet. |
I agree with gneissware, the East Coast Show should provide you with a good selection of nice fluorite to choose from. Attending a mineral show and actually having the specimen in your hands before purchasing allows you to remove the uncertainty in the transaction.
While the internet appears to be a great place to purchase specimens, the draw back is, relying on the vendors description and pictures to assess the quality of a specimen. For me personally, when I am purchasing a higher priced specimen and in your case a "flag ship piece" I would want to have it in my hands before I lay down the hard earned cash.
Cheers,
Joseph _________________ Joseph D'Oliveira
Hanmer, Ontario
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bob kerr

Joined: 13 Nov 2011
Posts: 638
Location: Monroeville PA



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Posted: Jun 15, 2015 20:53 Post subject: Re: Fluorite Collectors, Which Fluorite Should I Add As My Flagship Of My Collection? |
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like Casimer said - this is impossible but there are a few localities with specific types of fluorites that are clearly definitive. here's my shot at it - I think the better specimens from these localities are potential "Fluorite Flagship" pieces.
my opinion again - try to find large, well defined, single crystals - gemmy and lustrous. Many localities either lack size, lack luster (like Riemvaasmak as many are etched from quartz so the luster is flat) or occur in busy groups of crystals (like the China localities below as well as Rogerley and Asturias - but like in The Man of La Mancha - it's the quest!).
here goes:.
- a clear, colorless, perfect cube from Dalnegorsk
- pick your favorite color - or color schemes - and get one of the better Ross Lillie Southern Illinois fluorites
- a gemmy bright deep purple Elmwood cube - maybe with associations although these detract from the fluorite
- a gemmy rich green group of cubes (or modified cubes) with one large standout xl from Xianghualing or Xianghuapu, China
- a pink gemmy octahedral from the alpine Alps - probably a bank breaker
- a top end Rogerley specimen
- a top end Asturias Spain specimen
there's other great localities - but these to me stand out.
your personal taste will determine what you think is "Flagship"
bob |
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Casimir Sarisky
Joined: 14 Jun 2015
Posts: 56
Location: Maryland



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Posted: Jun 15, 2015 23:39 Post subject: Re: Fluorite Collectors, Which Fluorite Should I Add As My Flagship Of My Collection? |
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GneissWare wrote: | You should really try to attend the East Coast Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show, West Springfield, MA on August 7–9, 2015. There will be exceptional exhibits, and many mineral dealers. I can assure you that the quality level will be higher than most places on the internet. |
To be honest I never been to MA before (only traveled to 6 states and DC). With my schedule I am not sure if I could make such a trip there, but it is around my birthday so there is a chance. I will have to think about it, and I have time to do so. |
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Casimir Sarisky
Joined: 14 Jun 2015
Posts: 56
Location: Maryland



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Posted: Jun 15, 2015 23:50 Post subject: Re: Fluorite Collectors, Which Fluorite Should I Add As My Flagship Of My Collection? |
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bob kerr wrote: | like Casimer said - this is impossible but there are a few localities with specific types of fluorites that are clearly definitive. here's my shot at it - I think the better specimens from these localities are potential "Fluorite Flagship" pieces.
my opinion again - try to find large, well defined, single crystals - gemmy and lustrous. Many localities either lack size, lack luster (like Riemvaastmak as many are etched from quartz so the luster is flat) or occur in busy groups of crystals (like the China localities below as well as Rogerley and Asturias - but like in The Man of La Mancha - it's the quest!).
here goes:.
- a clear, colorless, perfect cube from Dalnegorst
- pick your favorite color - or color schemes - and get one of the better Ross Lillie Southern Illinois fluorites
- a gemmy bright deep purple Elmwood cube - maybe with associations although these detract from the fluorite
- a gemmy rich green group of cubes (or modified cubes) with one large standout xl from Xianghualing or Xianghuapu, China
- a pink gemmy octahedral from the alpine Alps - probably a bank breaker
- a top end Rogerley specimen
- a top end Asturias Spain specimen
there's other great localities - but these to me stand out.
your personal taste will determine what you think is "Flagship"
bob |
Thanks for the recommendations. In fact, I do have a single purple fluorite from Elmwood (4.25 x 3.5 x 3). It is mostly etched with developing Carthage corners, but it is in pristine condition. It is quite neat, but I still want a specimen that is lustrous and/or blue and/or green in color.
Okorusu, Asturias, and Rogerley look to be the top choices at this point. I keep hearing that the Cave-in-Rock area may reopen and that there is still a lot of material underneath. Plus it is mostly Purple and Yellow-Gold specimens that come from Illinois, so I am not interested in them at the moment. |
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James Catmur
Site Admin

Joined: 14 Sep 2006
Posts: 1463
Location: Cambridge



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Posted: Jun 16, 2015 01:58 Post subject: Re: Fluorite Collectors, Which Fluorite Should I Add As My Flagship Of My Collection? |
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If an English specimen is of interest you could also look at Greenlaws. They re-opened the mine for specimen production last year, but I think there has been some debate over control so all seems to have gone quiet. What I did see last year was nice and I uploaded a few that I saw, such as:
https://www.mineral-forum.com/message-board/viewtopic.php?p=39874#39874
I am not sure what will happen next but the locality has potential. Just to be clear I have no involvement in this venture! |
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Tobi
Site Admin

Joined: 07 Apr 2009
Posts: 4235
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Posted: Jun 17, 2015 11:41 Post subject: Re: Fluorite Collectors, Which Fluorite Should I Add As My Flagship Of My Collection? |
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Casimir Sarisky wrote: | The main mineral that appeals to me is fluorite [...] I can only acquire one great specimen as the "flagship" of my collection [...] What would be the ideal choice to be the main piece to my collection? Personally I would love a specimen with gemmy blue and/or green color and be a cabinet or large cabinet sized [...] Any other fluorite localities that have visually appealing blue and/or green fluorite specimens? I already have two from China so I would like another locality since I would like to acquire minerals from different localities. |
Hi Casimir, as a long-time fluorite collector, I know (too) many localities with good fluorite material, this isn't only your dilemma but a problem for ALL fluorite collectors, maybe except for those with unlimited budget ;-) If you would have asked in general which fluorite could be the "flagship" of your collection, that question couldn't be answered. But if you ask for blue or green ones in particular, my favourite fluorite localities for green and/or blue crystals are:
- Beihilfe Mine, Saxony, Germany (well ... unless you win the lottery, don't even try to get a good one in vibrant blue colour)
- Clara Mine, Black Forest, Germany
- Le Burg, France
- Riemvasmaak, South Africa
- Blanchard Mine, New Mexico
- Rogerley Mine & Heights Mine, England
- Dal'Negorsk, Russia
- Minerva Mine, Illinois
- ... and of course several mines in China, but you wanted to hear some others than China ;-)
Cheers!
Tobi |
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Jordi Fabre
Overall coordinator of the Forum

Joined: 07 Aug 2006
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Location: Barcelona



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James Catmur
Site Admin

Joined: 14 Sep 2006
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Posted: Jun 18, 2015 05:30 Post subject: Re: Fluorite Collectors, Which Fluorite Should I Add As My Flagship Of My Collection? |
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Great point Jordi, I had forgotten that discussion! |
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Susan Robinson
Joined: 05 Aug 2010
Posts: 163
Location: Hancock, MI


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Posted: Jun 18, 2015 14:07 Post subject: Re: Fluorite Collectors, Which Fluorite Should I Add As My Flagship Of My Collection? |
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Here are a few fluorites that are difficult to find for sale, much less collect, but are classics in their own right:
Macomb, New York. Sea-green crystals in groups up to a half ton.
Madoc, Ontario - some larger crystals were water-clear with intense green areas.
Kongsberg, Norway - some were the same as those described above from Madoc.
Faraday mine, near Bancroft, Ontario. A small pocketed area yielded groups of very small, but extemely green, translucent octahedrons. The color was like dark creme de menthe liqueur.
Walworth, NY. The totally clear, colorless cubes from this locality are few, but fantastic.
Clay Center, Ohio. For brown-colored fluorite (nearly root beer color), this locality is great.
I hope this list is helpful,
Susan Robinson _________________ Susan Robinson |
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