FLUORITE GEMSTONE
Fluorite is known as calcium fluoride chemically and is known by the chemical formula CaF2. It is also popular as Flurospar. This mineral is believed to be the most colourful mineral on the earth and umpteen varieties of this stone are known to originate from various regions across the globe. Of all the varieties, Blue John is the one that is considered the most beautiful and comprises of purple-red and white bands making it ideal for being used as gemstone.
This mineral is mostly found in well-shaped cubic crystals and exhibits myriad colours ranging from blue, purple, yellow, green, white and red. Of all these colours, blue and green are the most prominent colours. This unique, soft mineral shows perfect octahedron cleavage and so the crystals formed from the raw material can ideally take the shape of a diamond or octahedron.
Fluorite resembles many other gemstones due to varying colours but can easily be distinguished on the basis of hardness factor. It scores hardly 3.5 to 4.5 on Moh's hardness scale and, therefore, is very easy to cleave. Because of its existence in typical cubical form, it can be set apart from its look-alikes on the basis of structure system that it displays.
Fluorite accepts octahedron cut most graciously but its gemstone variety is mostly developed en cabochon and sold loose. It is more of a collector's delight and considered must-have for the collection that comprises of unique coloured, best-looking gemstones.
Some very well-known varieties of fluorite are:
1. Antozonite - This variety oozes characteristic smell on cleaving
2. Chlorphane - When heated, Chlorphane fluorite emits characteristic green-blue colour that is so special that it has acquired the name of fluorescence.
In addition to above, certain modifications in chemical structure, such as replacement of calcium with yttrium and cerium gives rise to its other but less known varieties known as Yttrofluroite and yttrocerite.
Fluorite, in ancient times, finds its use in the making of goblets meant for drinking wine. Like amethyst, it is believed to reduce the effect of alcohol. It does not have many beliefs surrounding it; however, some folklores suggest that it was found to be helpful in inducing calmness. It also helped in getting rid of nephric anomalies. Some healers call it 'genius stone' as it helped increase the knowledge and concentration in user.
Canada, Peru, Poland, England, South Africa, China and Norway are few of the locations where Fluorite deposits are found.
