Fluorite Properties, Facts and Photos

Contents 1. What is Fluorite? 2. Where is Fluorite Found? 3. The Meaning of Fluorite 4  Fluorite Healing Properties 5. Article Pictures 6. Shop Fluorite

What is Fluorite?

Fluorite is a natural mineral composed of calcium and fluorine. It represents one of the widest ranges of colour of any natural mineral.

Although often described as 'the most colourful mineral in the world,' fluorite is colourless in its purest form. It changes colour due to impurities in its crystal structure and heat caused by geological processes such as radiation.

Although the most common hues of fluorite are yellow, green, blue, and purple, it can also be white, pink, reddish-orange, brown, and even black.

Colours can be bright and vibrant but, if exposed to excessive heat or sunlight, will gradually fade.

Scientists do not fully understand what causes fluorite to be green. It's believed the colour comes from impurities of chromium or vanadium, but the precise mechanism behind the colouration is not fully understood.

Some geologists believe it's caused by exposure to radiation, while others say it's the result of complex chemical interactions between the impurities and the crystal lattice. Despite ongoing research, the exact cause of this colour remains a mystery.   

Fluorite crystals are transparent or translucent with a vitreous (glass-like) lustre. When void of impurities they're composed of 51.1% calcium, 48.9% fluorine.

With the presence of impurities come small amounts of silicon, aluminium and magnesium. Gasses and fluids such as petroleum and water may also be present. 

Although fluorite crystals tend to be well formed and often occur as cubes, they also crystallise in masses. In this crystal habit, crystals grow tightly together to form one large, shapeless mass.

The ability of fluorite to fluoresce when exposed to ultraviolet light has been well documented. The word 'fluorescent' came about because this optical phenomenon was first observed in the mineral fluorite.

Fluorescence is caused by specific impurities within the crystal structure. Not all fluorite crystals fluoresce, even if obtained from the same deposit.

Where is Fluorite Found?

Fluorite can be found in a wide range of different geological environments and in many places around the world. Only a handful of deposits have produced large quantities of fine-grade gemstones.

Fluorite is often found alongside lead and zinc minerals in hydrothermal veins.

Some of the finest crystals come from England, particularly Durham, Cornwall and Cumberland. Castleton in Derbyshire is famous for a rare variety of fluorite known as Derbyshire Blue John. This material cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It occurs in massive form, exhibits bands of yellow and purple colour, and is virtually mined out.

Other notable fluorite deposits are in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Mexico and Canada. The state of Illinois in the U.S. was once the world's largest producer, but the last mine closed in 1995.

The Illinois General Assembly passed a bill in 1965 declaring fluorite as its official state mineral.

The Meaning of Fluorite

The meaning of the word 'fluorite' comes from the Latin word 'fluere' which means 'to flow'. This is because fluorite has a very low melting point.

Named in 1797, fluorite is named for the ease with which it melts when used as a flux in the smelting and refining of metals. A flux is a substance added to a furnace or smelting process. It helps melt ores, removes impurities, and promotes a desired chemical reaction.

Fluxes are important to various metallurgical processes because they provide specific properties and benefits.

Fluorite, also known as fluorspar, is widely used in industry. It's used in the manufacture of fibreglass, ceramics, and opaque glass. It's also used in the chemical, iron, and steel industries.

Fluorite is the mineral form of calcium fluoride. It's the main source of natural fluorine used for the fluoridation of water. It's used in toothpaste because of its ability to fight cavities and in Teflon, which is the non-stick surface in cooking pans.

Fluorite is known to have been used in ancient Egypt and was also mined by the Romans. Two fluorite cups from around 50 - 100 AD are housed in the British Museum.

Fluorite Healing Properties

The properties of fluorite carry an energy that can bring calmness to chaos and help restore balance within the four levels that make us human. Those levels are mental, emotional, physical and spiritual.

Fluorite is an excellent crystal for focus, clarity and insight. It brings mental balance and a deeper connection to those around you. It encourages learning and helps you retain new information.

The healing properties of fluorite make it ideal for those looking to experience everything life has to offer. It keeps the mind clear, sharp and focused to ensure you always remain on track.

Fluorite is a powerful crystal to meditate with if you're looking for new ideas or inspiration. Violet or purple fluorite deepens meditation, while light blue helps with patience, contentment and happiness.

Dark blue fluorite attracts a change in circumstances and strengthens psychic ability. Green can have a positive influence on employment, money, growth, and fertility.

Yellow fluorite is known for strengthening intellect and study stamina. Orange is linked to energy, stimulation and stamina (both physical and spiritual) as well as the ability to cope in a crisis.

Article Pictures

The pictures in our article are clickable and redirect to the original image. Photos 2, 3 and 4 were taken by Stone Mania. 

The fluorite at the top of our article is courtesy of Steve Blyskal. The fluorite gemstones in the second photo are on display in the Harvard Museum of Natural History, Massachusetts, USA.

The third photo was taken in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C.

The fluorite terminated point in the last photo is from our collection.