Delve Into: Fluorite
What is Fluorite?
Fluorite (or fluorspar) is a mineral consisting of calcium fluoride and has a transparent or translucent appearance. It will commonly crystalize in a cubic format, but is capable of crystalizing in other more complex isometric or equal dimensional forms. A rare feature about fluorite is that it is the only common mineral that expresses perfect cleavage, perfect octahedron, in all four directions.
Fluorite is colourless in its purest form. However, natural processes during its formation produce different colours. Expect to see a variety of greens, yellows, purples, reds, pinks and blues as well as combinations of these colours together. Other colors can include white and black.
Fluorite is one of the few minerals that can fluoresce. Using UV light you can bring out some florescence colors of white, purple, red, yellow, green, and blue being the most common color exhibited.
On the MOHS scale, Fluorite has a hardness of 4, making it a very soft gemstone.
History of Fluorite?
The word 'fluorite', derived from the Latin verb 'to flow'. Fluorite melts easily and is used as a flux in the smelting of metallic ores. A ‘flux’ is a material used to help remove impurities from ore as it is refined into metal. Large amounts of fluorite are extensively used in open-hearth steel and steel enamelware production, the smelting of aluminum, as well as lead and antimony refining. It is also used in the manufacture of some types of glass, enamel, and porcelains. Fluorite is also used as a source of fluorine for fluorinated water.
Ancient Romans believed that drinking alcoholic beverages out of vessels carved from fluorite would help prevent drunkenness, which is similar to the beliefs attached to amethyst. Ancient Egyptians used Fluorite to carve scarabs and statues of deities.
Although today it is not recommended to use Fluorite as a drinking container, marveling at its beauty helps bring the wonder of the natural world back into your life.
The ancient Chinese also held Fluorite in high regard, both for its beauty but also for its ability to bring about vivid, lucid dreams. By placing this crystal near your bed (not under your pillow), its energy will emanate into the dreamworld and cause you to have beautiful dreams in a way you have never experienced.
What is Fluorite used for?
Fluorite is the stone of concentration and spiritual attunement. Often referred to as the "Genius Stone" or "Study Buddy", this calming stone helps focus, increase clarity and clears away the mental fog allowing you to hear new concepts, ideas & information as well as being able to process the information with better understanding and retention. This brings a wiser, more balanced view of life and improves decision-making. The Fluorite crystal’s power to bring clear inner and outer vision enables you to manifest ideas and bring plans to fruition like never before.
So next time you are studying for your exam or just need a little more mental clarity, make sure you have a piece of fluorite close by.