Pink Fluorite
Huanzala Mine, Huanzala, Huallanca District,
Bolognesi Province, Ancash, Peru
9.6cm tall x 11cm wide
Ex-collection Irv Brown and William Ferris
"Fluorite is a relatively common mineral at Huanzala, and its presence helps to identify specimens originating there. The most spectacular specimens have pink octahedral crystals, some with greenish cores, occurring with pyrite, galena and sphalerite. There were only about 100 good specimens from this find. The largest crystals are about 5 cm in diameter. Belsher (1982) documented this November 1980 discovery. Most fluorite from Huanzala is colorless to green, and more rarely it is found in shades of purple to pink. Crystals may be totally clear and flawless and are usually crudely octahedral in form with stepped growth, although good cubic specimens have also been collected. Common associated minerals are pyrite, sphalerite, galena and chalcopyrite. The majority of the high-quality specimens recovered were the result of a series of finds in 1981 and 1982."
Crowley, J. A., Currier, R. H., & Szenics, T. (1997, July-Aug.). The Mines and Minerals of Peru - The Raura-Huanzala group. The Mineralogical Record, 28(4), 50.
This fluorite has gem-like pink octahedral crystals cascading across a ridge of a white matrix. Each octahedral crystal has the classic Peruvian pink coloration with pale green cores. The geometry of the crystals is striking, with sharp, symmetrical faces that catch and play with light, creating an array of reflections and shadows. The subtle variations in color within the pink crystals add depth and dimension. The contrast between the smooth, glass-like crystals and the textured matrix adds an intriguing dynamism to the piece. Examples from this famous discovery are exceedingly rare with only a small number of exceptional examples.