2021, July, Fluorite, Summit Cleft, Weisseck

 

 

Twenty years have passed since the discovery at 2,700 meters height of the Summit Cleft. Collectors have extracted many beautiful fluorites that have been described, along with this extraordinary site, in numerous detailed accounts. Agreement is widespread that the time of the great finds is long gone. It has become quiet around the Summit Cleft. Yet, one tantalizing feature remains: a crystallized cavity that through all these years of active collecting was still largely untouched. This holdout consists of a narrow, crystallized tubular area that leads into a larger crystallized cavity, which then narrows. Collectors have certainly looked longingly into this cavity. A few old chisel marks testify to earlier attempts to break into the cavity. But the limestone there is simply too hard. So other than a few pathetic shots at breaking through, this particular cavity remained untouched. Thirteen years ago, I stretched my arm into the larger cavity and managed to take some photos. These revealed very nice fluorite in areas that otherwise couldn't be seen from the outside. It was hard to forget what these photos revealed and promised. Finally, these haunting images eventually drove me to seek relief: five years ago I once again climbed to Weisseck’s summit and desperately tried to open the cavity through intensive prying. I failed miserably. And then again, two years later, a second effort also ended dismally. Still, on my first attempt, I managed to find two beautiful hand pieces in the front area. For a long time these two pieces lay in a box, only roughly cleaned, and forgotten. Finally, I found time last year to give these specimens a careful cleaning and formatting.  They proved to be too beautiful: the two pieces thoroughly enchanted me so that I had no choice but to try once again. I had the winter to consider strategy. Nothing seemed certain as others and myself had repeatedly tried and failed. Still, I convinced myself that even if opening this cavity required repeated great exertions over time, it would still be worth the effort as the specimens there possessed a special charm.