About Fluorite
Shop fluorite HERE
Keep reading to discover more about fluorite
- Mineralogy and geology*
- Metaphysical, Spiritual and Healing** Properties***
- Common Associations
See also Tiffany Stone
Mineralogy and Geology of Fluorite
Mineral formula: CaF2
Mineral group: a halide, member of the fluorite group
Crystal system: isometric
Crystal habit: cubes, less often octahedrons and rarely dodecahedrons. Combinations and modifications of these forms are common. Minute cubes may be aggregated to form an octahedron or as an overgrowth of crystals upon the corners of an earlier formed crystal of differing habit.
Cleavage: perfect cleavage on {111}
Fracture: splintery to sub-conchoidal
Color: many! Shades of purple, yellow, green, blue, pink, clear, brown
Luster: vitreous to dull
Diaphaneity: transparent
Moh’s scale hardness: 4
Streak: white
Specific gravity: 3.175 – 3.56
Named after: the Latin, fluere = "to flow" (for its use as a flux), in 1797 by Carlo Antonio Galeani Napione. The term fluorescence is derived from fluorite, which will often markedly exhibit this effect. The element fluorine also derives its name from fluorite, a major source of the element. Also known as fluorspar (fluo “crystal”) especially when used as an industrial mineral commodity.
Geological occurrence: Fluorite is found as a common gangue mineral in hydrothermal veins, especially those containing lead and zinc minerals. It is also found in some greisens, granites, pegmatites and high-temperature veins, and as a component of some marbles and other metamorphic rocks.
Uses of fluorite: It has Industrial and technical applications as a flux to lower the melting point of raw materials used in steel production, opalescent glass, enamels, cooking utensils. Also used to make hydrogen fluorite and hydrofluoric acid which are used in many manufacturing processes and other applications. Fluorite is sometimes used as window material for infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths.
Natural fluorite is used for carvings and jewelry, but its relative softness and cleavage make it less desirable than many other stones.
Other Properties: Fluorite’s color can vary based on its elemental impurities; it often exhibits color zoning. Some specimens are light sensitive and become paler on exposure to light.
Many samples of fluorite exhibit fluorescence under ultraviolet light. This phenomenon involves the release of quanta of visible light caused when the ultraviolet light striking the crystal lattice elevates the electron energy followed by the progressive falling back of the electrons into their previous energy state. he visible light emitted is most commonly blue, however red, purple, yellow, green and white also occur.
Fluorite is a widely occurring mineral found throughout the world with the largest deposits being in South Africa, Mexico and China. World reserves are estimated at 230 million tons. China is the world’s leading producer, followed by Mexico, Mongolia, Russia, South Africa, Spain and Namibia.
Spiritual, Metaphysical and Healing Properties
Fluorite supports stability, promoting order and organization in the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual realms. This often brings greater calm and clarity. Each color of fluorite supports the associated chakras. By promoting order, fluorite also helps to release that which disrupts order. Fluorite supports concentration and discernment. In relationships, fluorite it promotes the ability to see and provide balance. It supports the energies that nourish the physical body thus promoting wholistic health.
According to Judy Hall (see below), fluorite offers the power of strength.
Blue – orderly, sequential thinking; calming. Vibrates to the number 2
Colorless – stimulates the crown chakra, aligns chakras, clearing. Vibrates to the number 2.
Green – brings the energy of spring-time freshness, cleansing and renewing to the chakras, eliminating negativity within rooms. Vibrates to the number 2.
Purple – third-eye stone supporting orderliness and consciousness to psychic and spiritual growth. Vibrates to the number 77.
Yellow – brings energy to support creativity and intellectual pursuits. Vibrates to the number 9.
Common Associations
- Chakra – depends on color and type
- Green – heart
- Purple – third eye, and crown chakras
- Blue – throat and third eye chakras
- Numerology - vibrates to the number 7 (specific colors have other numbers)
- Zodiac – Pisces, Capricorn
- Birthstone – none traditional
- Wedding Anniversary – none traditional
____
* Mineralogical information is from mindat.org
** Always consult with your medical professional for any physical or long-term healing issues.
*** Metaphysical properties come from:
Love Is in the Earth (1995) Melody, Earth-Love Publishing House, 726 pp.
The Crystal Bible, A Definitive Guide to Crystals (2003) Judy Hall, Walking Stick Press, 399 pp.
Crystal Muse (2017) Heather Askinosie and Timmi Jandro, Hay House, 285 pp.
Crystal Gridwork (2018) Kiera Fogg, Weiser Books, 128 pp.