Palm tree shadows and Denton magic in the sunshine

Palm tree shadows and Denton magic in the sunshine

Just out here playing with this killer Denton Mine Fluorite in the California sun, letting those legendary colors come alive. Turn it in the light and the cubes flash that unmistakable “blurple” Denton collectors chase — deep electric blues melting into rich purples with hints of zoning dancing through the crystal. Pieces like this were pulled from the legendary Denton Mine in southern Hardin County, Illinois, one of the most famous fluorite localities in the United States.

Operating from 1981–1994, Denton produced some of the most intensely colored cubic fluorites ever found — crystals that have become true classics since the mine closed. In natural sunlight like this, you can really see why collectors are obsessed.

Desk candy turned sunshine sculpture.