Antique Derbyshire Blue John Fluorspar Turned & Polished Small Specimen Bowl (Code 2226)

A late 19th or early 20th century Derbyshire blue john bowl.  It has been turned and polished with a flat ground base.  It is quite a translucent example showing off the striations in the material nicely.  It has a darker patch of mottled crystal to one section as can be seen in the images adding contrast.  The pine resin used to stabilise the mineral during production has mellowed giving warm tones as you can see.  There is a natural flaw line running from the rim through the base and stopping at the mottled patch of crystal, it can be felt but appears stable, although it would be best not to subject this example to high heat or rapid temperature changes.

Blue john is of course increasingly scarce with only jewellery sized pieces now being extracted, prices continue to increase at pace especially for older examples such as this.

Condition

There is a natural flaw line running from the rim through the base and stopping at the mottled patch of crystal, it can be felt but appears stable, although it would be best not to subject this example to high heat or rapid temperature change. Very minor wear, slight nibbles around the base.


Measurements (Approx)

Width: 6.8 cm ( 2 5/8 inch )

Height: 2.5 cm ( 1 inch )

Weight: 88 grams (before packing)


Stock Code:  2226 AG20-3