Color: Colorless, red, orange, yellow,
green, blue, violet, nearly black
Chemical composition: CaF2 calcium fluoride
Mohs’ hardness: 4
Transparency: Transparent, translucent
Luster: Vitreous
Fracture: Even to conchoidal, brittle
Crystal system: Isometric; cubes, octahedra
Cleavage: Perfect
Specific gravity: 3.18
Refractive index: 1.434
Dispersion: 0.007
Pleochroism: None
Fluorescence: Usually strong; blue-violet
Occurrence: Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico,
Peru, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, United States
Astrology: Pisces and Capricorn
Chakra: 6th (brow or 3rd eye) for violet fluorite
Fluorite
is a fairly common and affordable stone that naturally occurs in a
dazzling range of colors. In some cases – often with purple and
green – the colors occur in bands. Fluorite wasn’t traditionally
considered gemstone because it’s relatively soft and easily
scratched or chipped. Originally called fluorspar, its name comes
from the Latin word fleure meaning to flow, because fluorite melts
easily; it’s used as flux in the smelting of ores. It commonly
fluoresces under ultra-violet light. Fluorites origins trace back
150 to 200 million years ago when hot water containing fluorine and
other minerals was forced up from deep inside the Earth. This
solution eventually reached calcium-rich limestone bedrock where the
fluorite crystals formed. The mineral is found in Alpine clefts and
in hydrothermal veins, often around hot springs, in masses of
interpenetrating cubes and octahedral crystals; when broken it often
forms perfect triangular shapes on the corners of the crystals.
Although
fluorite wasn’t considered a precious gem, it was known and
valued in ancient times. The Ancient Egyptians carved fluorites
statues and scarabs, and the Chinese also used it in carvings.
Gemologists now believe that fluorite has been in use throughout
human history but wasn’t recognized as a separate mineral. Instead,
it was believed that fluorite was simply a softer version of other
minerals – i.e. a violet fluorite crystal was just a soft amethyst.
In fact, the Romans carved cups of purple-banded fluorite believing
that like amethyst, the purple fluorite would keep them from
becoming intoxicated. In the 1600s powdered fluorite was believed to
ease the symptoms of kidney disease. In 18th-century England, Blue
John (a purple banded fluorite) became popular as a material for
urns, vases, and even tables. From the time of the Ancient
Egyptians, there have been records of “luminous” stones, which were
greatly valued by priests and shamans.
It’s now believed that these were stones that we now identify as
phosphorescent or
fluorescent.
Frederick W. Kunz, the famous mineralogist, noted that chlorophane,
which is a pale violet Siberian fluorite, gave off white light when
warmed by the heat of a hand, green light when heated in boiling
water, and when set on a burning coal, gave off a light that could
be seen from a distance. Metaphysically, fluorite is considered a
stone that aids in discernment and organization, a kind of antidote
to chaos. Psychically, it’s said to help you determine whether or
not you’re being influenced by outside forces and to cut through any
sort of illusion. It’s also believed to help concentration,
especially in learning. It is considered one of the great psychic
protectors, as well as a stone that cleanses the aura and can help
to open the third eye. Green fluorite is known to a healing stone,
while purple is said to to be a stone that strengthens intuition.
Fluorite beads are somewhat fragile, and so are recommended for
earrings and necklaces. If you use them in bracelets or anklets,
wear them carefully because they’re vulnerable to chipping and
cracking. The clear and purple banded beads will look lovely when
strung with amethyst and clear crystal. For contrast, try stringing
fluorite with malachite, sugilite, and/or smoky quartz.