A second cavity was discoveredabout one week later, and this time Andrzejwas in the right place at the rightmoment. After the bad experience withlast pocket, he spent all of his free timein the quarry trying to control the situation.

 

　　Unfortunately, during opening ofthe second cavity which was not visiblefrom the outside, miners destroyed onenice specimen with feldspars, smokyquartz, and fluorite. The pocket was a littlesmaller than the previous one – about 70 x 40 x 30 cm – but it produced 6 verygood specimens with fluorites on matrix.

 

　　Andrzej extracted them himself so theywere in good shape. The best of themcontained bluish albite, cream coloredmicrocline, and a bit of stilbite, with violetfluorites perched on top giving greatcolor contrast and aesthetics. The shapeof the fluorite crystals was distinctive(and rare for Strzegom) – resembling theso called "Aztec Pyramids" (due to complexparallel growth of second generationfluorite on the earlier crystals).

 

　　Fortunately workers did not price thesespecimens too high (because they weresmall pieces). The total “payment” wastwo bottles of vodka and about $100!

 

　　About 30 cm farther into the pegmatite,another cavity was hit. It wasonly 20 cm across, and mostly filled bystilbite. At first glance it didn’t look veryinteresting, but after careful examinationAndrzej found a very well formed,gem-clear, yellow-greenish beryl crystalwith perfect termination. While onlyabout 2 cm long, it can be stated that thisis the best heliodor, and maybe even thebest beryl crystal in general, known fromPoland.

 

　　In the next days, three more cavitieswere opened with sizes from 20 to 40 cm.

 

　　They contained quartz, feldspar, stilbiteand fluorite, and produced 2 more goodquality specimens in addition to severallesser specimens. Miners asked in paymentfor all of them a few beers and bottleof vodka… simple pleasures!

 

 

　　Soon after mining the last 3 pockets,quarrying operations moved to anotherarea in the mine. The pegmatite bodywas left still continuing in the wall. Hopefully,miners will get back to this areasometime in the future – another test ofAndrzej’s patience!

 

　　SUMMARYOverall, 6 cavities were discoveredand mined during a 10 day period. 11 reallygood specimens of fluorite and otherminerals were collected along with anumber of middle quality specimens. Allof them together were purchased fromthe miners for a grand total of 2 bottlesof fruit wine, 2 bottles of good vodka,a few beers, one local vodka, and about$100 – you might call it good Slavicdeal!

 

Quarry worker preparing to split one of the granite blocks in which pockets were found (pocket visible between backpack and miner’s boot). A. Korzekwa photo.

 

　　The exceptional thing about thisfind is the fluorites. The “Aztec Pyramid”form is very unusual, and the fact thatthe fluorites occur on matrix is reallyspecial. Matrix specimens with fluoriteare extremely rare in Strzegom. It is alsounusual to find so many fluorites in sucha small area. The best pockets in the historyof the mine, even those as large as afew meters, usually only produce one ortwo good fluorites! Andrzej’s Pocket wastruly fantastic!