"The Most Colorful Mineral in the World"
Fluorite may not be very well known in the world of jewelry but it has been popular amongst collectors for decades who appreciate the brilliant colors and interesting crystal structure.
Matrix fluorite or flurite on matrix is also available and usually used for decorative purposes.
Fluorite Colors
There are a few candidates for the most colorful gemstone including garnet and tourmaline but Fluorite may have them all beat. Fluorite can be found in a range of colors from colorless white all the way to black with delightful blue, green, and yellow shades in between.
Green fluorite comes in a great variety of tones including the neon green and blue green color.
Purple is probably the most favored color in Fluorite but even the pink, brown and orange hues have their fans. There are some Fluorites that display multiple colors in a single stone and an amazing color-change version that will jump from blue to purple under different light sources.
Read more about gemstones colors here
Fluorite Species
Fluorite is a mineral form of calcium fluoride (CaF2) and has many industrial uses including being used as a flux in steel and aluminum processing and added to the water supply to help prevent tooth decay.
When Fluorite has just the right combination of clarity, color and size it can make a very interesting gemstone or collector's piece.
Fluorite has picked up a few unofficial trade names for any varieties that have particular colors or patterns such as:
- Antozonite - Fluorite with a peculiar odor.
- Blue John - A banded purple and white variety of fluorite from Derbyshire, England.
- Chlorophane - Fluorite which can emit a bright green to blue-green light when heated.
Fluorite Sale Price
Like most gemstones, the price of Fluorite is dependent on the 4Cs – color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Color is the most important with deep and vivid colors the most sought after.
Most Fluorite that is considered worthy of being a gemstone is usually found with excellent levels of clarity and they are available in large carat weights.
Facet cuts are not very common so this can add a premium to the price but all-in-all, Fluorite is a very affordable gemstone – even the rare and stunning Color Change Fluorite can be bought at a fraction of the cost of other color change gemstones despite the brilliant color.
Simple Fluorite cabochons with bright colors and excellent clarity will range from $2 - $5 per carat while Color Change Fluorite with bright blue and purple colors, excellent clarity and a distinct color shift will range from $20 to $40 per carat even for large carat sizes well above 10 carats in weight.
The original 'Blue John' Fluorite with its multiple colors in the same stone found only in England can reach significant prices but the mines are just about exhausted although some similar colored gemstones have been found in China recently at much more affordable prices.
Treatments for Fluorites
Fluorite is not enhanced by any artificial treatments that we are aware of.
Any enhancing treatments our Fluorite gemstones receive will always be fully disclosed.
Where is the Fluorite mineral found?
Fluorite deposits are found throughout the world with the most significant finds located in Brazil, India, France, Germany, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Russia and the United States.
Blue John is mined in limited quantities in Derbyshire, England but a similar Fluorite gemstone has been discovered in China.
What jewelry is Fluorite and Fluorite crystal suitable for?
Fluorite is rated at 4 on Mohs hardness scale which makes it very soft for use in jewelry. Jewelry pieces such as pendants and earrings can use Fluorite as they are less like to be knocked or bumped during wear but rings should have protective settings and only worn occasionally.
Fluorite Crystals: A Kaleidoscope of Colors
Fluorite crystals are renowned for their stunning array of colors and unique optical properties. Fluorite can exhibit a wide variety of hues, including green, purple, blue, yellow, and even colorless. This remarkable mineral is not only admired for its beauty but also utilized in various industrial applications, such as the manufacture of steel and the production of hydrofluoric acid. In metaphysical circles, fluorite or or fluorite cluster is believed to possess healing properties, promoting mental clarity and focus. The allure of fluorite's multi-colored splendor continues to captivate gemstone collectors, geologists, and crystal enthusiasts alike.
The green cubic fluorite mineral is used as a healing stone.