Specimen Spotlight

  • Yttrofluorite or Ordinary Purple Fluorite?

    Yttrofluorite on Calcite What happens when your beautiful mineral specimen has a label that might be incorrect? In this video, I share the story of my striking purple fluorite on calcite specimen that was originally thought to be yttrofluorite, a rare-earth variety containing yttrium. Recent lab tests on similar pieces have supposedly sparked debate, with
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  • Pyrite with Quartz from Spruce Claim

    Quartz & Pyrite Spruce ClaimWashington, USABeautiful quartz and pyrite combination from Spruce Claim, Washington State. Metallic golden pyrite cubes contrast perfectly with transparent rock crystal quartz. Learn about this mythical U.S. locality and why these specimens are highly prized by collectors. Learn more about “American Mineral Treasures“ “Herkimer and Spruce Claims: Challenging Localities” (from the
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  • Fluorite, Calcite and Pyrite from Mexico

    Stunning fluorite-calcite-pyrite combination specimen from the legendary San Martín Mine, in Zacatecas, Mexico! Gemmy purple fluorite cubes with beveled edges, sparkling white calcite rhombs, and brassy pyrite flakes create perfect contrast and balance on a single matrix.