Fluorite’s name derives from the Latin fluere, “to flow”. It “melts more easily than other minerals and was once used as a flux.” [1]
Fluorite, sometimes called fluorine, fluorospar or fluorspar, can be found in a variety of colors: bright golden yellow, bluish green, rose-pink, blue, green, purple, colorless, and in a mixture of any of these colors. Fluorite can be transparent or translucent – or anywhere in between. With a Mohs hardness of 4, this stone is somewhat fragile, brittle and can be damaged easily.
Because the stone is so soft and scratches easily, cleaning fluorite is best done with a soft dry cloth (like a chamois) or with some cool water and a soft cloth. Do not use warm or hot water on fluorite as this will damage the luster. The beautiful colors of fluorite can fade if exposed to prolonged intense sunlight so be careful to store these stones in a cool, dark place. To protect your fluorite jewelry when not in use, also store it apart from other stones, wrapping it in a soft cloth to provide additional protection from scratching or chipping.
One of the interesting features of fluorite is that it usually glows (fluoresces) under black or ultraviolet light – likely caused by yttrium and other trace impurities in the stone.
Fluorite may be irradiated or heated in oil to deepen the color. It may be impregnated with a resin or polymer to strengthen the stone. Cabochons are sometimes capped with clear quartz to protect the stone against scratches or being chipped. All treatments should be disclosed by the seller.
Fluorite (sometimes called “the genius stone”) has a myriad of metaphysical properties associated with it, including:
- stimulates third eye
- increases wisdom and the power of discrimination
- aids the advancement of the mind, concentration, and meditation
- cleanses aura
- promotes self-love
- powerful healing stone
- grounds excess energy
- boosts comprehension
- promotes spiritual and psychic wholeness and development, truth, protection, and peace
Chakras: vary by color but include heart (green), third eye (purple)
[1] The Jeweler’s Directory of Gemstones by Judith Crowe, p.108
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