Fluorite

📍Berbes, Berbes mining area, Ribadesella, Asturias, Spain
Dimensions: 41 / 32 / 14 mm

This is a fine purple fluorite specimen from the world-renowned Berbes mining area in Ribadesella, Asturias, Spain — one of the classic localities for the species. The specimen features purple fluorite crystals up to 2.0 cm across with sharp, lustrous faces and distinct color zoning. The crystals are intergrown and rest on a natural matrix.

The piece is a complete, flattened floater, with the front displaying several clear, smooth, and reflective crystal faces that show the characteristic cubic structure of fluorite. The reverse side exhibits a rare skeletal growth pattern composed of numerous tiny, transparent crystals forming an intricate, interlocking network — a texture that is difficult to capture accurately in photographs but is strikingly beautiful in person.

Fluorite from Berbes is celebrated for its rich purple color, excellent transparency, and well-developed crystal forms, making it a staple among collectors of classic European minerals. With its strong front–back contrast and aesthetic balance, this specimen is both scientifically interesting and visually outstanding.