(Image is AI generated)
1.) Chemical formula, formation and locations found
Fluorite, also known as fluor spar, is a mineral composed primarily of calcium fluoride with the chemical formula CaF₂. It forms in a variety of geological environments, often occurring as a mass or crystal in hydrothermal veins and as a byproduct in the mining of other minerals. Fluorite's formation is typically associated with the cooling of mineral-rich fluids within these veins, where calcium and fluorine combine to crystallize in a cubic structure.
It is found in diverse locations worldwide, including significant deposits in China, Mexico, and the United States, particularly in states like Illinois and Kentucky. Additionally, it is mined in parts of Europe, such as in Spain and England, where it is valued both as a collectible mineral and for its industrial uses, including in the production of aluminum, gasoline, and uranium fuel.
Here is a list of locations where fluorite is harvested:
A. United States:
- Illinois: The Cave-in-Rock District is renowned for its high-quality fluorite deposits.
- Kentucky: The fluorspar deposits in the Southeastern part of the state, particularly around the town of Rosiclare, are significant.
- Colorado: The Sweet Home Mine in the Alma District is known for its colorful fluorite specimens.
B. China:
- Hunan Province: The Xianghualing district is a major source of fluorite, known for its high purity and vibrant colors.
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: Fluorite is mined extensively in this region, which contributes significantly to global production.
C. Mexico:
- San Luis Potosí: The mineral-rich deposits in this area are well-known for their excellent fluorite crystals.
- Coahuila: This state also has significant fluorite mining operations.
D. Spain:
- Bajo de la Sierra: The fluorite deposits in this region are notable for their quality and are a major part of the Spanish mining industry.
E. England:
- Derbyshire: The Peak District is famous for its historic fluorite mines, particularly around the town of Castleton.
F. South Africa:
- Sishen: Known for its mining of a variety of minerals, including fluorite.
G. Australia:
- New South Wales: The region has some fluorite deposits, though they are less significant compared to other countries.
2.) Color Variations and impurities
Fluorites hues range from their more commonly seen colors of purple and green, to the uncommonly seen blue, yellow, orange, pink, clear, and grey. A truly spectacular display that stems from the presence of trace impurities and radiation. Not only do the impurities cause coloring, but the crystal lattice, the F- center and radiation surrounding the crystal during formation have a huge part in their colors outcome. In some cases, radiation can completely alter the color of an already formed crystal and cause a different layer of crystal lattice to change colors due to it's concentration of impurities. Below is a list of what causes each color to surface.
Purple: Purple fluorite derives its color from yttrium impurities within the crystal structure.
Green: Green fluorite gets its color from copper impurities.
Blue: Like green, blue fluorite get's it's coloring from copper.
Yellow: Yellow fluorite get's it's color from trace amounts of iron.
Orange: Like yellow, orange fluorite get's it's color from iron.
Pink: It took a lot of research but I learned that because of impurities of manganese, this crystal get's it's pink color.
Clear: Clear fluorite is pure fluorite, meaning there is not an inclusion or impurity to cause it to change color.
3.) Crystal Structure
Fluorite's crystal structure is cubic. It starts with calcium ions(Ca2+) surrounded by eight fluoride ions(F-) which are located in the corners of a cube thus making the base of the crystal structure cubic. Though the word cube can seem to be only one shape, this structure can display different geometric shapes besides just a cube. Here is a list of the shapes that fluorite can form in while still in the cubic crystal system 1. cube 2. octahedron 3. octahedron-cube 4. dodecahedron-tetrahedron and 5. tetrahedron
Cube
(From my website: https://www.christiescrystalcabinet.com/product-page/fluorite-on-quartz )
Isometric
(From my website: https://www.christiescrystalcabinet.com/product-page/fluorite-on-calcite-on-dolomite )
Octahedron
(From my website: https://www.christiescrystalcabinet.com/product-page/fluorite-on-quartz )
Dodecahedron
(From my website: https://www.christiescrystalcabinet.com/product-page/purple-fluorite-on-quartz-specimen )
Rhombic Dodecahedron
(From my personal collection)
4.) Metaphysical meanings
Purple: This color of crystal will be associated with the third-eye and crown chakras. This association will assist in spirituality, intuition, aid in better sleep, mental clarity, protection, psychic awareness, and balance. This color crystal is great for spiritual growth and mental alignment as well as helping you work through complex issues as it focuses
Green: This color will be associated with the heart chakra. Clearing negative energy, cleansing chakra, emotional release, trauma release, and healing. This color crystal is useful for stabilizing negative electronic energy as well as allowing for clear emotional understanding of the heart. Green fluorite is also useful in beating addiction and opens one to serve higher purposes in life.
Blue: This color will be associated with the throat and third eye chakras. This association will promote controlled thoughts, communication, honesty, transition, spiritual awakening. It is said that blue fluorite helps to let go of obsessions and frustrations. Also great for preventing karmic patterns to not repeat.
Yellow: This color crystal is also sometimes called golden fluorite. This color is associated with the solar plexus chakra. Unity, intellect, creativity, logic, understanding. This crystal is said to help align your willingness to work with others in a group setting. Yellow fluorite also helps to bring your ideas and goals to the forefront to help you achieve them.
Orange: This color is associated with the sacral chakra. Energy, stimulation, spiritual stamina, physical stamina. Orange fluorite has a strong ability to help one cope with a crisis.
Pink: This color is associated with the heart chakra. Love, emotion, harmony, creativity, communication. This crystal is said to bring stress relief and inner harmony into your life.
Clear: This color is associated with the crown chakra. Absorbing new information, expanding consciousness, mental awareness, exploration, encourages brain activity. This crystal is said to be the mental clarity stone stirring inspiration and energy to the mind.
5.) Zodiac and Planets
With each crystal comes it's relation to your zodiac and a planet in our solar system. Fluorite has a close relation to Uranus and Neptune. It's said that fluorite is the zodiac stone of Capricorn and Pisces, however some research shows a little differently per color variant. Below I have listed each color and their zodiac:
Purple: Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces
Green: Libra and Taurus
Blue: Capricorn, Pisces
Yellow: Pisces
Orange: Capricorn and Pisces
Pink: Capricorn and Pisces
Clear: Pisces
I hope you enjoyed reading about fluorite and what I have been able to research and bring together into one blog. I will say there isn't the most information out there about each color and I find that interesting seeing as this is one of the more popular stones on the market.
Until next time!
Oct 7
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