Fluorite w/ yttrium
Peñas Blancas
San Pablo de Borbur, Western Boyacá Province
Boyacá Department, Colombia
13.7 cm x 10.0 cm x 9.5 cm
So, when have you seen these fluorites from Colombia still in matrix?
Most know single crystals from this area, with the emerald green color inclusions.
First thought to be chromium, but later discovered to be the element yttrium.
This is a partially "cleaned" group of fluorite crystals from Peñas Blancas.
There are a few exposed crystals, the largest single cube measures 3.8 cm.
Most fluorites from Peñas Blancas are found encrusted in the matrix.
The matrix is a conglomerate, made up of a hard mud-like material,
rounded rocks, aragonite, and even some quartz crystals.
Of note, is a single exposed quartz crystal on the back side,
acting like a "Kickstand" that helps the specimen sit perfectly on it's own.
A good number of the fluorite crystals from this area, are subjected to acid "cleaning" in order to expose and release the crystals from the matrix, that's why this fluorite is usually seen as only loose crystals.
However, this one has a few fully exposed crystals from the matrix
and a few only partially exposed within the matrix.
Although this specimen has well-formed cubes with the green inclusions,
there is a little bit of chatter on the edges, and the back of the main crystal is cleaved,
but cannot be seen from the front.
Overall, a very interesting matrix specimen of the fluorite from this region.
