Fluorite Crystals

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Title: Fluorite Crystals
Medium: Digital Photography
Photographer: Aaron J. Greenblatt
Camera Type: Panasonic DMC-LZ7 Lumix 7.2 MP
Editing: Edited in PhotoShop 7.0 for color accuracy, size, and to apply copyright and border.

Location: Photograph taken at the 2008 Southeastern Michigan Gem and Mineral Show at the Southgate Civic Center in Southgate, Michigan. Show hosted by the Midwest Mineralogical & Lapidary Society.

Description: This neat purple cluster of fluorite crystals was sitting in a box on one of the dealer tables at the show. It was found in the Minerva #1 Mine at the village of Cave-in-Rock in Harding County, Illinois, USA. This piece was 5 inches across and selling for a whopping $200. While this is indeed a very nice piece of fluorite, I think the price was a bit high.

About Fluorite: Fluorite (also called fluorospar) is a mineral composed of calcium fluoride, CaF₂. It is an isometric mineral with a cubic habit, though octahedral and more complex isometric forms are not uncommon. Crystal twinning is common and adds complexity to the observed crystal habits. The word fluorite is derived from the Latin root fluo, meaning "to flow" because the mineral has a relatively low melting point and was used as an important flux in smelting. Fluorite gave its name to its constitutive element fluorine.

Information Source: [link] (wiki)

Legal: Copyright © Aaron J. Greenblatt. All rights reserved. Commercial use prohibited. This image and commentary may not be used for any reason without expressed written consent.


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