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The Gemstone Fluorite
Fluorite makes a beautiful gemstone that comes in all colors, and can often be multicolored with two or more contrasting color within the same gemstone. Multicolored Fluorite gemstones often show
banding
patterns. Large and
flawless
crystals are fairly common, and these can produce very large and totally clear gemstones. However, due to Fluorite's very low
hardness
and perfect
cleavage
, it cannot be used as a mainstream gemstone, and it is generally cut specifically for specialty collectors.
Chemical Formula
CaF
2
Color
White, Colorless, Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, Orange, Brown, Pink, Purple, Black, Banded, Multicolored
Hardness
4
Crystal System
Isometric
Refractive Index
.434
SG
3.0 - 3.3
Transparency
Transparent
to
translucent
Double Refraction
None
Luster
Vitreous
Cleavage
1, all sides
Mineral Class
Fluorite
Fluorite
AUCTIONS
ALL ABOUT
Most Fluorite gemstones are from deeply colored stones, but they can also be cut from the less intense color forms. The most popular color for Fluorite is purple, and deep purple Fluorite can closely resemble
Amethyst
. Fluorite is often brightly
fluorescent
in
ultraviolet light
. In fact, the term
fluorescence
is derived from Fluorite. Due to the very low
hardness
and perfect
cleavage
of Fluorite, special care must be taken to ensure it doesn't get scratched or chipped.
USES
Fluorite is not commonly used as jewelry, and is cut mostly for collectors. Small varicolored beads of Fluorite are sometimes strung for use as a bracelet. Fairly large gemstones have been cut from Fluorite, and round cuts with concave patterns are typical.
Banded
and multicolored Fluorites are sometimes cut and
polished
as
cabochon
s. The
banded
variety
Blue John
was once used for ornamental carvings and as goblets.
OTHER NAMES
Fluorspar
VARIETIES
Blue John
-
Banded
purple and white (or purple and yellow) variety of
Fluorite
sometimes used for ornamental purposes.
Fluorite
TREATMENTS AND ENHANCEMENTS
Fluorite is generally not heated or enhanced, though it has been occasionally
irradiated
to achieve wild neon colors.
Fluorite
SOURCES
Fluorite is very common and deposits are found worldwide in almost all countries. Specifically famous producers include Canada, China, England, France, India, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, Russia, South Africa Spain, Switzerland and the United States (especially Colorado, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, New Hampshire, and New Mexico).
The
banded
variety
Blue John
comes from Derbyshire, England.
SIMILAR GEMSTONES
Due to the color variation of Fluorite, it can resemble many gemstones, though it can be easily distinguished by its low
hardness
.
Fluorite
PHOTOS
[Click photos for more details]
Fluorite
IN THE ROUGH PHOTOS
[Click photos for more details]
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The mineral Fluorite
DISCUSSION
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