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Fluorite


Scientific:
Formerly called fluorspar. Named from the Latin word for "To flow," which follows its being used as flux in the smelting of metallic ores.

Fluorite's colors can range from shades of all colors including pink, blue, green, yellow, purple, magenta, red, black, brown and colorless. It has a vitreous luster with color distribution often zonal or spotty. Color can be changed with gamma rays and has been known to fade in the sunlight. Fluorite is transparent and translucent and phosphoresces when heated. Fluorite's fluorescence is strong, short waves of blue-violet light. The term fluorescence was named for fluorite, which often fluoresces under invisible ultra-violet light.

Purple Fluorite from Cave In Rock, Illinois

Purple Fluorite from Cave In Rock, Illinois

Fluorite crystallizes in the form of cubes, octahedrals (frequent penetration twins), rhomb dodecahedra, masses, grains and columns. Cleavage is perfect in four directions forming perfect octahedrons

Fluorite develops in many different environments. It is associated with albite and pyrite in carbonates, with calcite and spinel in hornfels of contact metamorphic rocks, with calcite, rhodocrosite, and chalcedony in epithermal veins. Sometimes found with galena, barite and pyrite in lode hypothermal replacement deposits.

Deposits are found in Oberpfalz, Bavaria (Germany), Argentina, Burma (Myanmar), England, France, Namibia, Austria, Mexico, Canada, South Africa, Thailand, Peru, Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Norway, China, Russia, Switzerland, Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio and Illinois. Pink octahedral crystals are found in Switzerland. The Blue John Fluorite, banded with purple and yellowish-white, is found in Derbyshire, England. Colorless fluorite is found in Italy. Green fluorite is found in Norway.

Due to its richness of color it can be confused with many gemstones. The purple variety is sometimes mistaken for amethyst.

Fluorite is one of the mainstays of the modern chemical industry. It is essential for petrochemical production and plastic manufacturing and oil well stimulation. It is insoluble in water and most acids with the exception of sulfuric acid. Fluorite is used in the manufacture of steel and hydrofluoric acid. 

Fluorite has limited use as a gemstone because it is relatively soft and therefore easily scratched. However, the wide range of colors, the frequent incident of more than one color in a single specimen and zoning or patchy distribution of color, make it an interesting stone. Fluorite is sometimes facetted but usually for collectors or to be worn as jewelry on protected areas of the body. Fluorite cabochons are sometimes capped with quartz to protect the fluorite from scratches.

Hardness: 4
Chemical Composition: CaF2 Calcium Fluoride with small amounts of yttrium and cerium

History: 
The ancient Egyptians used fluorite in statues and in carving scarabs. The ancient Romans believed that drinking alcoholic beverages from vessels carved of fluorite kept the drinker from getting drunk. (Remind anyone of amethyst?) Artifacts of carved fluorite were found in the ruins of Pompeii. 

In the 18th century, fluorite was powdered in water to relieve the symptoms of kidney disease.

The Chinese have used it in carvings for more than 300 years. 

Lore: 
This stone is not indigenous to earth. It has been transported here from a higher dimension. (This is for all the von Danaken fans...)

It has been said to be crystallized light, which can bring light into the brain.

Pliny's most precious substance was fluorite, as in the valuable vase taken from Alexandria by Augustus. Pompey took 6 such vases from Mithridates' treasure and presented them to the temple of Jupiter.

Metaphysical:
This mineral's energy helps the evolution of harmonious, peaceful and organized spiritual growth.

Fluorite has been said to help clear the mind and heighten mental achievement while increasing the ability to concentrate. It can open unexplored avenues for investigation.

It can help one to see the truth behind illusion.

Fluorite is said to help eliminate the discord which causes infection and disease and to protect against ill health. It can be used in the treatment of bones, teeth and cell structure. It has been used to assist in the prevention and repair of RNA and DNA damage.

The cube clusters look like advanced space cities and are frequently placed on desks to tune into when one is working under pressure.

Blue Fluorite is good for creating order, calm and clear concise communications. It has been used in treating eye problems, blocked tear ducts, inflammation, and disorders of the inner nasal passages, inner ear, throat, and speech disorders.

Chinese Fluorite is said to be excellent for treating and protecting against disease.

Colorless fluorite is said to stimulate the brain and to clear and energize the aura. It has been used to open the pathways between the energy of the universe and the physical body. It has been used to clear the eyes and improve sight.

Green fluorite can clear emotional baggage by helping to eliminate negativity. It has been used to clear a room of negativity by bringing in a higher energy. It has been used to treat digestive disorders by circulating a soothing energy throughout the digestive tract.

Purple fluorite is a third-eye stone. It can bring an order to psychic and spiritual growth. It has also been used in treating disorders of the bone and bone marrow and cellular structures. It has been used to help make one open to accept healing. 

Yellow fluorite can be associated with enhanced creativity and intellect. It can help promote cooperation between all that exists. It has been used to help balance cholesterol and mental discontinuity. It can assist in releasing toxins from the fatty deposits within the body.

Yttrium-Fluorite occurs in massive and granular form and is usually violet, gray, red-brown, green, yellow, and brown. It does not correct disorganization. It is said to help increase wealth and mental acuity. It is said to have the properties of manifestation and is an excellent stone for assisting in service-oriented activities.
   




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