Fluorites for collectors

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RARE FLUORITES FOR COLLECTORS:

_{A selection of fluorite crystals and stones for collectors}

Our team daily selects the rarest fluorites available online. We also select some beautiful fluorite wands and fluorite spheres for mineral collectors. Fluorites have always been very popular on the market due to their beauty, their transparency and the rarity of some museum-quality specimens. Fluorite is the mineral form of Calcium Fluoride. It is seen as a healing stone in lithotherapy.

More information about fluorites

Fluorite is composed of calcium fluoride, it is the fluorinated spar of miners. Fluorite is cubic, with cleavage giving an octahedron. It is mainly a vein mineral where it accompanies the metal ores and sometimes constitutes the main filling. It is then exploited as a flux. Its luster is weak, but the beauty, sometimes the size of the crystals, especially cubic crystals, reaching 1 millimeter and the variety of its colors make it a mineral sought after by collectors. Violet and green hues dominate, but fluorite can also be colorless, blue, yellow or pink, and sometimes black in uraniferous veins. Its colors are often arranged in zones that can give beautiful objects after polishing. Fluorite crystals in private collections often come from the Blue John Mine in Cumburland (Great Britain) where fluorite has been mined as an ornamental stone since Roman times. Fluorite sometimes presents the phenomenon of dichroism : green by transparency, it appears mauve by reflection. Some remarkable specimens have been found in the United States, Australia and Canada.

_{What is the value of a rare fluorite crystal ?}

The value of any mineral or gemstone depends of various factors. Fluorite value takes into account the purity of the fluorite, its transparency, its color and of course its size and its form. To give you some examples, a 4.3kg museum-quality natural purple edge fluorite & white quartz specimen is offered at $12,280 online. But you can also find some much more affordable fluorites online around $50.

Buy rare fluorite
_{This rare 69.4kg natural octahedral Fluorite cluster was offered at $20,000 on an American website.}

_{How to get a fluorite here ?}

There is nothing easier, just have a look to our fluorite selection, click on the fluorite crystal or fluorite stone you like and we will automatically redirect you towards a secured website where you can find it. Have also a look to our Top 100 Mineral Auctions if you are interested in rare minerals.

How can you tell if a fluorite is real ?

Authenticating fluorite (calcium fluoride) can be done through a combination of visual examination, hardness testing, and sometimes, specialized equipment. Here are some steps you can take to determine if a piece of fluorite is genuine:

Color and Transparency:
- Fluorite comes in a wide range of colors, including purple, green, blue, yellow, and clear. It can also be multicolored or banded.
- Genuine fluorite is typically transparent or translucent. If it's completely opaque, it might be a different mineral.
Crystal Structure:
- Fluorite commonly forms in cubic or octahedral crystals. Look for well-defined crystal shapes.
Fluorescence:
- True to its name, fluorite is known to fluoresce under ultraviolet light. This can be a strong indicator of authenticity, but not all fluorite specimens fluoresce.
Hardness Test:
- Fluorite has a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, which means it can be scratched by a knife or a copper penny, but not by a steel knife. However, this test can potentially damage the specimen.
Cleavage:
- Fluorite has four perfect cleavage planes, meaning it can be split into octahedrons. If you observe this property, it's a good sign.
Density:
- Fluorite has a specific gravity of around 3.18, which means it's notably denser than many other minerals.
Refractive Index:
- If you have access to a refractometer, you can measure the refractive index of the specimen. Fluorite typically has a refractive index of about 1.43.
Scratch Test:
- While not recommended for high-quality specimens, if you have a small, inconspicuous area, you can try a scratch test with a known mineral that has a Mohs hardness higher than 4 (like quartz or feldspar). Be cautious as this may damage the fluorite.
Seek Expert Opinion:
- If you're uncertain, consider consulting a geologist, mineralogist, or a professional gemologist who can provide a more definitive analysis.
Purchase from Reputable Sources:
- Buying from established and reputable dealers or stores can greatly reduce the likelihood of getting a fake or misrepresented specimen.

Remember that even genuine fluorite can vary widely in terms of color, clarity, and impurities, so not all fluorite will exhibit all the characteristics mentioned. If you're dealing with a high-value or unique specimen, it might be worth seeking a professional appraisal or authentication.

A large matrix of purple fluorite will worth above $3,000.00

Is Fluorite hard to find ?

Fluorite is a relatively common mineral and can be found in various locations around the world. It is not considered rare in terms of geological abundance. However, the quality and size of fluorite crystals can vary greatly, and some specific colors or forms of fluorite can be more sought after by collectors, making them somewhat harder to find.

Certain regions are particularly known for producing high-quality fluorite specimens, such as:

China: China is one of the largest producers of fluorite in the world. It's known for producing a wide variety of colors and well-formed crystals.
Mexico: Mexico is famous for its purple and green fluorite specimens, particularly those from the states of Coahuila and Chihuahua.
United States: The United States also has notable fluorite deposits, with significant production in states like Illinois, Kentucky, and Colorado.
England: The famous Blue John fluorite comes from the Castleton area in Derbyshire, England.
Spain: Spain is known for producing fluorite crystals of various colors and qualities.

While fluorite itself is not particularly rare, finding specific types or specimens with exceptional clarity and color can be more challenging. Additionally, the accessibility of fluorite specimens can vary depending on local regulations and mining practices in different regions.

Why does fluorite fluoresce ?

Fluorite fluoresces due to the presence of trace impurities in its crystal lattice. The most common activator of fluorescence in fluorite is exposure to small amounts of naturally occurring radioactive elements like uranium and thorium during its formation. These elements can create electron holes in the crystal lattice, and when these holes are filled by electrons, they emit energy in the form of visible light, causing the fluorescence effect.

It's worth noting that not all fluorite specimens fluoresce, and the intensity and color of the fluorescence can vary depending on the specific impurities and conditions during the crystal's formation. Some fluorite specimens may exhibit strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light, while others may not fluoresce at all. That's why fluorite is so popular among mineral collectors !

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