Purple Fluorite with Quartz from Berbes, Asturias, Spain

Numerous pale purple fluorite crystals cover large areas of a pale, finely crystalline matrix. The predominantly cubic crystals are densely intergrown and form a three-dimensional surface with several clearly prominent crystal faces.

The fluorite crystals are translucent and show a vitreous luster. Their color ranges from very pale lavender to somewhat stronger purple areas. The white quartz provides a clear contrast and emphasizes the crystalline structure of the specimen.

Fluorite from the Berbes Mining Area

Berbes is located near Ribadesella in the Spanish region of Asturias. The mining area is one of the classic European localities for fluorite and is especially known for purple to bluish-purple crystals, often with a cubic habit. Fluorite occurs there together with minerals including quartz and barite.

This specimen shows numerous intergrown fluorite cubes on a pale associated mineralization. Crystals of different sizes and crystalline coatings create a varied surface that can be viewed from several directions.

With dimensions of 10.5 × 7.0 × 6.0 cm, this is a large cabinet specimen. The total weight, including the acrylic base, is 557.4 g. Its particular appeal lies in the extensive fluorite coverage, the contrast between the purple and white areas, and its origin from the classic locality of Berbes.