FLUORITE.
Formerly
called fluorspar, fluorite has limited use as a gemstone
because it is relatively soft and therefore easily
scratched. However, the wide range of colours (including
yellow, blue, pink, purple, and green), the frequent
incidence of more than one colour in a single specimen, and
zoning or patchy distribution of colour, make it an
interesting stone. Despite its fragility and perfect
octahedral cleavage, stones may be faceted (usually for
collectors), and can be polished very brightly. Cabochons of
fluorite have been capped with rock crystal to protect them
from scratching.
Occurrence
Localities
include Canada, the USA (where some of the largest crystals
are found), South Africa, Thailand, Peru, Mexico, China,
Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Norway, England and
Germany. Pink octahedral crystals are found in Switzerland.
A purple and yellow banded variety called Blue John occurs
in Derbyshire (ENGLAND).
REMARK
The
Ancient Egyptians used fluorite in statues and to carve
scarabs, and the chinese have used it in carvings for more
than 300 years. In the 18th century, fluorite was powdered
in water to relieve the symptoms associated with kidney
disease.
CUSHION
STEP-CUT
Pale pink colour
Specks of black hematite |
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BLUE
JOHN
VASE
This
attractive banded variety of fluorite has been
carved since Roman times. The Ancient Romans
believed that drinking alcohol from a cup made
of Blue John would allow the drinker to imbibe
without becoming drunk. |
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CLEAVED
FLUORITE
CRYSTAL
Smooth cleavage
surface
Yellow and
purple colour banding |
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FLUORITE
ROUGH
Massive habit
Green and
purple banding
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OCTAGONAL
STEP-CUT
Cut
stones may be highly polished and bright |
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