Fluorite
General Information
History
Fluorite, sometimes referred to as fluorspar, was named in 1797 and takes its name from the Latin word “fleure” which means “to flux” which in turn means “flowing out” or “continuous change”. Associated with the zodiac signs of Pisces and Capricorn and is believed to have received its name from the fluorescent luminance that it emits when held under certain angles of UV light, giving it a magical glowing appearance. Fluorescence was also named after fluorite. This phenomenon was observed by miners in the fluorite mines in the Weardale region of England. When the fluorite was underground, it had a beautiful bright green colour, but when taken out into the sunlight, it changed colour to bluish. Scientists discovered that the change in colour resulted from exposure to ultraviolet light.
Geography
Fluorite can be found all over the world in localities such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Argentina, Brazil, France, Norway, China, Namibia, Austria, Switzerland, the United States and Mexico to name a few.
Geology
Mostly found in cavities in limestone within quarries and in ore deposits and more rarely can be found in cavities in coarse granite-type rocks (such as pegmatites) and in volcanic flow rocks (such as rhyolite). A form of calcium fluoride, this chameleon of a crystal belongs to the family of halide minerals and is a part of the cubic crystal system. Fluorite crystallises in many forms, including masses, grains, columns and cubes and displays fluorescence. Fluorite crystals formed 150–200 million years ago when hot water containing fluorine and other minerals was forced up through cracks in the earth where it interacted with the calcium-rich bedrock.
Appearance
Fluorite is a transparent crystal that can be found in a wide variety of colours including hues of purple and lavender, clear, green banded, green, yellow, blue-green, white and rainbow.
Moh's Scale
Fluorite measures a 4 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Cleaning & Care
Fluorite crystals are water-soluble (meaning they can dissolve in water), they should not be cleansed, charged or cleaned in water. Instead if your crystal should become dirty you can clean fluorite using a soft, untreated, clean cloth or brush. Ensure that you remove fluorite jewellery before participating in sports or other activities which cause perspiration and keep fluorite out of direct sunlight as this exposure can cause loss of lustre.
Spirit Care
Essential Uses
Fluorite is a highly stabilising and protecting crystal commonly used for grounding and bringing harmony to your spiritual energies. Perfect for anyone needing help finding clarity of mind, fluorite is sometimes referred to as a ‘Genius Stone’ for its ability to cut through confusion, enabling you to think clearly. An excellent cleanser, another key benefit to this striking stone is its neutralising effect on negative energies, Fluorite is perfect for helping to sweep out old stagnant energies and introduce freshness, clearing away the fog to enable you to see the clear skies.
Our Family Uses
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