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Fluorite
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The mineral
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is known as "Fluorite" (modern name), also
as "Fluorspar" and "Fluor Spar".
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Fluorite (Fluorspar) is an ionic solid that comprises
its constituent elements (calcium and flourine) arranged
in the cubic system of crystal symmetry. This system
of crystal symmetry is the simplest of all crystal symmetries
because it takes the form of three axes at mutual right-angles,
all the same length as each other.
Fluorite is mined in many locations and may be found
either alone or together with metallic ores and other
minerals such as baryte, calcite, celestine, quartz
and topaz.
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Fluorite is a crystal of considerable beauty and is
of interest both for decorative purposes, and also for
its metaphysical properties and associations. For both
of these reasons flourite is extremely popular for use
in jewellery, including bracelets, necklaces, earrings
and pendants. However, despite its beauty, fluorite
is not used/classified as a precious stone because of
it's mechanical properties (it is relatively soft and
easily cleavable).
The name "fluorite" is derived from the Latin
verb "fluere", which means "to flow".
It is so named because of its low melting point (hence
it is used as a flux in in the smelting of metals).
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This page includes the following sections:
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Structures of Fluorite Crystals
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Fluorite (Fluorspar) crystals are usually cubic. Other configurations
include octahedral, rhombdodecahedral, and combinations of
these structures - for example combinations of cubic with
octahedral, or cubic with rombdodecahedral.
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Distinguishing Features
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Cubic crystal form;
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Hardness 4;
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Lack of effervesence with hydrochloric acid;
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Dissolves in sulphuric acid releasing fumes of hydrogen flouride.
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Colours of Fluorite Crystals
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The colour of fluorite (fluorspar) varies considerably. Common
colours include colourless (transparent), green, and a wide
range of shades of purple. Yellow and blue fluorite are also
available.
Less usual colours of this crystal include magenta, pink,
red and black.
The transparency of fluorite ranges from transparent to translucent.
The following table summarises some of the additional metaphysical
associations of particular colours of fluorite crystals:
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Type of Flourite
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Colour(s)
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Metaphysical Associations
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Blue Fluorite
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Colourless Fluorite
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Green Fluorite
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Purple Fluorite
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Yellow Fluorite
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Yttrian Fluorite
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Blue
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Colourless
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Green
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Purple
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Yellow
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brown; green; grey; red-brown; yellow.
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Logical thought, well-ordered record-keeping.
Communication skills - both on the physical plane
and with other planes.
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Uses concerned with healing and spiritual strengthening,
such as clearing/energising the aura, aligning
chakras, and stimulating the crown chakra.
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A fresh cleasing energy that may aid clearing
of negative energies and transformation of these
to energies of love and light.
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Intuition and communication of information that
is psychically received; psychic and spiritual
growth.
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Creativity and intellectual pursuits; group energies
and co-operation between group members; connectivity
between all things.
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Energies to support increase in wealth and to
aid mental sharpness. May assist with self-fulfillment
and manifestation. Also associated with service
to others.
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Single crystals may vary in colour and are often colour banded
- as shown in the photograph below.
The photograph above is of a sample of polished fluorite.
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Industrial Uses of Fluorite
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Fluorite is used in the chemical industry as a flux in the
smelting of iron and other metals.
It is also used (in smaller quantities) in the manufacture
of specialized optical equipment.
Fluorite is also used for decorative/ornamental items, a
continuous application of this material over many centuries
(as indicated by many archeological finds).
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... End of Article ...
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