{"title":"Miniatures \u0026 Study Pieces","description":"\u003cp\u003eSmall but meaningful specimens\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"fluorite-on-calcite-uv-reactive-specimen-hubei-china","title":"Fluorite on Calcite | UV Reactive Specimen | Hubei, China","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"819\" data-end=\"1002\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"819\" data-end=\"830\"\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 43 g\u003cbr data-start=\"835\" data-end=\"838\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"838\" data-end=\"847\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e approx. 6 × 5 × 4 cm (irregular form)\u003cbr data-start=\"885\" data-end=\"888\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"888\" data-end=\"901\"\u003eLocality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hubei Province, China\u003cbr data-start=\"923\" data-end=\"926\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"926\" data-end=\"945\"\u003eStand included:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003cbr data-start=\"948\" data-end=\"951\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"951\" data-end=\"967\"\u003eUV response:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strong multi-colour fluorescence\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1004\" data-end=\"1007\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1009\" data-end=\"1035\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1012\" data-end=\"1035\"\u003eAbout this specimen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1037\" data-end=\"1149\"\u003eA sculptural hydrothermal specimen featuring cubic fluorite crystals perched across a coral-like calcite matrix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1151\" data-end=\"1381\"\u003eIn daylight, the fluorite displays delicate pale lavender zoning, with sharp cubic geometry contrasting against the soft, drusy calcite growth. The matrix forms in layered, reef-like textures, creating depth and natural asymmetry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1383\" data-end=\"1630\"\u003eUnder UV light, the piece transforms completely — the fluorite fluoresces a vivid violet-blue, while the calcite emits blue-white fluorescence. Subtle secondary activators create scattered cooler-toned highlights, adding complexity to the display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1632\" data-end=\"1756\"\u003eDespite its compact size, this specimen has strong visual presence both in natural light and under ultraviolet illumination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1758\" data-end=\"1761\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1763\" data-end=\"1790\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1766\" data-end=\"1790\"\u003eGeological formation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1792\" data-end=\"1872\"\u003eFluorite and calcite commonly crystallise together in hydrothermal vein systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1874\" data-end=\"2186\"\u003eMineral-rich fluids circulated through fractures within carbonate host rock, depositing successive mineral phases as temperature, pressure and chemistry evolved. Calcite formed first in layered, micro-crystalline growth, followed by fluorite crystallising into well-defined cubic forms within available cavities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2188\" data-end=\"2352\"\u003eThe fluorescence observed in this specimen is caused by trace impurities and structural defects within the crystal lattices, which respond to ultraviolet radiation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2354\" data-end=\"2400\"\u003eThis is a natural, untreated mineral specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2402\" data-end=\"2405\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2407\" data-end=\"2439\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2409\" data-end=\"2439\"\u003eApproximate geological age\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"993\" data-end=\"1101\"\u003eFluorite and calcite deposits from central China are generally associated with Mesozoic geological activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1103\" data-end=\"1129\"\u003eEstimated formation range:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1131\" data-end=\"1189\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1131\" data-end=\"1160\"\u003e100–200 million years old\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1160\" data-end=\"1163\"\u003e(Mid to Late Mesozoic Era)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1191\" data-end=\"1363\"\u003eDuring this time, the region that is now Hubei Province was shaped by active tectonics and widespread hydrothermal systems linked to crustal movement and volcanic activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1365\" data-end=\"1694\"\u003eThis was the age of dinosaurs. Early flowering plants were beginning to diversify, and vast reptilian ecosystems dominated terrestrial environments. While large vertebrates roamed the land, mineral-rich fluids were moving silently through fractures deep underground — slowly crystallising into the fluorite and calcite seen here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1696\" data-end=\"1790\"\u003eThis specimen represents geological processes unfolding long before modern landscapes existed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2759\" data-end=\"2762\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2764\" data-end=\"2793\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2766\" data-end=\"2793\"\u003eRarity \u0026amp; collectability\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2795\" data-end=\"2878\"\u003eWhile fluorite and calcite are not rare minerals individually, specimens combining:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2880\" data-end=\"3048\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2880\" data-end=\"2906\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2882\" data-end=\"2906\"\u003eDefined cubic fluorite\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2907\" data-end=\"2940\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2909\" data-end=\"2940\"\u003eStrong violet UV fluorescence\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2941\" data-end=\"2982\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2943\" data-end=\"2982\"\u003eBlue-white fluorescent calcite matrix\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2983\" data-end=\"3017\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2985\" data-end=\"3017\"\u003eSculptural hydrothermal growth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3018\" data-end=\"3048\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3020\" data-end=\"3048\"\u003eConfirmed Chinese locality\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3050\" data-end=\"3099\"\u003eare highly desirable among UV mineral collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3101\" data-end=\"3208\"\u003eCompact, well-balanced pieces with strong fluorescence are especially sought after for cabinet collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3210\" data-end=\"3239\"\u003eThis specimen is suitable as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3241\" data-end=\"3362\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3241\" data-end=\"3263\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3243\" data-end=\"3263\"\u003eA UV cabinet piece\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3264\" data-end=\"3313\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3266\" data-end=\"3313\"\u003eA display mineral for shelves or shadow boxes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3314\" data-end=\"3362\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3316\" data-end=\"3362\"\u003eAn entry into fluorescent mineral collecting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3364\" data-end=\"3367\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3369\" data-end=\"3391\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3372\" data-end=\"3391\"\u003eCare \u0026amp; handling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3393\" data-end=\"3557\"\u003eHandle gently — calcite is softer than quartz\u003cbr data-start=\"3438\" data-end=\"3441\"\u003eAvoid prolonged exposure to moisture\u003cbr data-start=\"3477\" data-end=\"3480\"\u003eStore away from strong direct sunlight\u003cbr data-start=\"3518\" data-end=\"3521\"\u003eDo not clean with acidic solutions\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Starshine Minerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56746948526424,"sku":null,"price":48.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/4304\/7000\/files\/IMG_8385.jpg?v=1771447048"},{"product_id":"live-sales","title":"Live sales","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e£1 LIVE CLAIM PAYMENT ONLY\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis listing is NOT for a crystal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is used to pay for items you have claimed during a live sale.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e👉 Please enter the total value of your claims as the quantity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e(e.g. £54 = quantity 54)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e❗ Orders for “1” will not receive a crystal and will be cancelled.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThank you so much for supporting Starshine Minerals 💛\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Starshine Minerals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56916115784024,"sku":null,"price":1.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/4304\/7000\/files\/IMG_4400.jpg?v=1777201225"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/4304\/7000\/collections\/IMG_8386.jpg?v=1771447319","url":"https:\/\/starshineminerals.co.uk\/collections\/natural-formations.oembed","provider":"Starshine Minerals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}