Fluorite, Frazer's Hush Mine, Weardale, County Durham, England

The Frazer's Hush mine, like the Rogerley Mine also in County Durham, began operations in the 1970s, finally closing in 1999.  The mine is famous for its amethyst-coloured fluorite, like this piece here. It is, admittedly, difficult to capture the beauty of this fluorite by photograph as the piece is even better in person. Looking closely, you will note the same twinning commonly displayed from the Rogerley Mine. Of course the piece displays terrific fluorescence under ultraviolet light. The mine, interestingly, may have taken its name from a nearby hushing (hydraulic mining) site dating from medieval times! Ex Garry Kolodinsky collection. From: Frazer's Hush Mine, Weardale, County Durham, England. Dimensions: 7 cm x 8 cm