Mineral Species: Fluorite

Chemical Formula: CaF2

Chemical Name: Calcium Fluoride

Mineral Class: Halide

Mineral Notes: Fluorite is found in a wide range of geologic environments, ranging from inclusions in granite to replacement deposits in limestones. It is one of the most commonly collected minerals because of the beauty of its specimens, especially the well-formed cubic crystals.   

Description: A grey matrix hosting numerous cubes of Fluorite. Some have Quartz overgrowths, which makes some crystals difficult to see. However in most cases the outline of the cubes and some faces are easily defined. There is also a a black botryoidal material which is probably Goethite. The feature which makes this specimen highly unusual is the blue fluorescence of the Fluorite. This is an extremely rare trait of Cornish material and is found nowhere else in the county, although Fluorite is relatively widespread.

Location: Wheal Mary Ann, Menheniot, Cornwall, England.