Birthstone Month:
Fluorite is associated with the birthstone month of February.
History & Lore:
The name Fluorite is derived from the Latin 'fleure' meaning “to flow”, and refers to its use as a flux in smelting, and to the fact that it is relatively easy to melt. Fluorite is in fact colorless, with the various colors resulting from tiny amounts of other elements substituting the Calcium in its crystal structure. Fluorite was originally referred to as fluorospar by miners, and is still in fact sometimes referenced using this name today.
Fluorite is used industrially as a flux in the smelting of metallic ores such as steel, and in the manufacture of certain glasses, enamels and porcelains. Fluorite is also used as a source of Fluorine for hydrofluoric acid and fluorinated water. The element Fluorine, in fact, gets its name from Fluorite, which is Fluorines only common mineral.
Blue John or Derbyshire spar is one of the most famous Fluorite varieties and has been used since Roman times in the making of vases and other ornamental objects. This material was mined in the county of Derbyshire, England, and typically exhibited a banded pattern of blue, violet, and purple.
Fluorite is the state mineral of Illinois, United States.
Fluorite is believed to not only balance and focus positive energies but to absorb, alter, and release negative energies. Fluorite has long been believed to enhance intuition, creativity, concentration, and the wearer's sense of order. In addition to this, Fluorite is an aid to promoting healing, and can give protection against numerous types of diseases.
The color of Fluorite is extremely variable, ranging through blue, green, yellow, colorless, brown, pink, black, and purple. Purple is by far the most famous and popular color. Intermediate pastels between the previously mentioned colors are also possible.
Though most specimens of Fluorite will display a single color, it is potentially possible for a specimen to display up to four or five different color zones or patterns. It is this banded Fluorite that is most often seen in the gemstone market. In addition to this, some specimens of Fluorite will have fluorescent qualities from rare elements, un-bonded Fluorine, or organic matter within the crystal. The term fluorescent is actually derived from the word Fluorite. All of these factors will leave no doubt as to why Fluorite has earned the reputation as “The Most Colorful Mineral in the World.” The variable colorations and large sizes have captivated jewelry designers and carvers the world over.