Purple Fluorite

Fluorite  (also known as fluorspar)

Barite

Berbes, Berbes Mine, Ribadesella, Asturias, Spain.

The word fluorite is derived from the Latin word, fluere, meaning “to flow”, since the mineral is used as a flux in iron smelting.  Fluorite is allochromatic, meaning that it can be tinted with other elements during formation. Fluorite comes in a wide range of colors and it’s also known as “the most colorful mineral in the world”.  You can find a variety of colors with fluorite samples.  Most common colors are purple, blue, green, yellow, or even colorless. Less common are pink, red, white, brown, and black. Color zoning or banding is commonly present. The color of the fluorite is determined by factors including impurities and exposure to radiation.

Many samples of fluorite exhibit fluorescence under ultraviolet light, a property that takes its name from fluorite.  Fluorite is also known as “the most colorful mineral in the world” due to the wide range of color variations.

Industrially, fluorite is used as a flux. Flux is used to prepare metal surfaces for soldering by cleaning and removing any oxides and impurities. Oxides are formed when metal is exposed to air and may prevent the formation of good solder joints.

Fluorite is also used in the production of certain glasses and enamels.

Pure fluorite is transparent but elemental impurities make it a colorful mineral which can be used for ornamental carvings and lapidary.

Fluorite is said to absorb and neutralize negative energy and stress. An excellent learning aid, Fluorite increases the powers of concentration, self-confidence and helps in decision-making. It encourages positivity, balances the energies, and improves balance and coordination, both physically and mentally.