Fluorite properties

Fluorite, abundantly found in nature, derives its name from the Latin "Fluere," meaning "melting" or "to melt."

Its history dates back to antiquity, with the first description credited to Georgius Agricola in 1529.

In 1797, naturalist Carlo Antonio Galeani Napione named it, likely due to its use as a flux in the steel industry, acting as a binder between different metals.

Composed of calcium fluoride, fluorite belongs to the halide class, with a majority of cubic crystallizations, though parallelepipedic crystals are less common.

Pure, fluorite starts as colorless and transparent. However, its color spectrum extends almost across the entire range due to impurities, earning it the moniker "the most colorful stone in the world." The most common hues range from lilac to violet, but specimens can also be transparent, red, black, pink, brown, yellow, blue, green, and even multicolored. Fluorite exists in several varieties, some of which exhibit fluorescent properties.

It is typically found in granite rock veins. The largest fluorite crystal ever discovered was reportedly located in Russia, measuring 2.12 meters in height and weighing 16 tonnes.

Fluorite is also known by various names such as androdamant, Derbyshire spar, calcium fluoride, bruiachite, fluorine, chrome-fluorite, liparite, fluor-spar, and fusible spar.

In industry, fluorite is primarily used to produce hydrofluoric acid, essential in aluminum processing. It is also widely used in the production of enamel, translucent glass, and eyeglasses.

Mines: Pakistan, Russia, Czech Republic, Peru, Germany, Spain, China, Switzerland, Mexico and South Africa.

History, beliefs and legends about the fluorite

Fluorite has long been admired for its vast array of colors, with some civilizations even seeing it as crystallized light.

The Chinese used purple fluorite as a protective talisman against malevolent spirits, while green fluorite sometimes replaced the highly prized jade in sculpture.

Egyptians crafted beads, scarabs, and statues of gods from fluorite.

It is likely that the Greeks used fluorite and its hues to create the famous Murrhine vases.

Romans believed that drinking alcohol from a fluorite glass prevented drunkenness.
Fluorite objects have been found in the ruins of Pompeii.
Following the conquest of Great Britain, Romans began extracting the famous "Blue John," a distinctively blue-yellow variety of fluorite. They were willing to spend considerable sums to acquire it, as evidenced by the account of Pliny the Elder about Nero, who purportedly paid the equivalent of $240,000 for a specimen.

During the Middle Ages, fluorite was known as the "flower of ore."

Fluorite was also used in America, where sculptures dating back to the era of the Mississippi culture builders (900-1650) have been discovered, including beads, pendants, earrings, and statuettes made of fluorite.

Healing properties and benefits of the fluorite

• Fluorite is renowned for alleviating symptoms of arthritis, rheumatism, and gout, providing welcome relief to sore joints.
• It promotes dental and bone health, strengthening bone structure and contributing to healthier, more resilient teeth.
• Fluorite supports the proper functioning of veins and the bladder, promoting efficient blood circulation and a healthy urinary system.
• It is also known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, helping to combat infections and the flu, thereby boosting the immune system.
• Fluorite can relieve symptoms of herpes, ulcers, and lumbago, offering effective relief from these painful conditions.
• It may aid in treating eating disorders such as overweight and bulimia by promoting emotional balance and supporting healthy eating habits.
• Fluorite is recommended for neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, seizures, epilepsy, and headaches, providing relief from symptoms and promoting neurological well-being.
• It can help alleviate seasonal allergies by reducing inflammation and strengthening the immune system to better cope with allergens.
• Fluorite is beneficial for nerve infections like shingles, providing pain relief and promoting healing.

Healing properties and benefits the blue fluorite

• Blue fluorite is renowned for alleviating eye problems such as infections or blockages of the tear duct, providing soothing relief and promoting clear and healthy vision.
• It is also praised for regulating disorders of the throat, inner ear, nasal passages, and aphonia, bringing welcome relief to conditions of the ENT system.
• Blue fluorite is sometimes associated with potential benefits in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease or senile dementia, offering hope for those suffering from these debilitating neurological conditions.

Fluorite jewelry samples