Purple Fluorite Crystals on Matrix
Chunky rough fluorite from South Africa. This piece exhibits well formed deep purple crystals on top with a full second layer of green crystals underneath. They can be seen from all sides and the colour is much greener than it appears in our second photo.
Fluorite occurs in many colours but is colourless when free from impurities. Reds, purples greens and yellows are the most common although it can occur in almost any colour.
Zones of colour within the same crystal are also common. Fluorite is composed of calcium and fluorine.
Fluorite is used extensively in industry where it tends to be known as fluorspar. Some material can have such exceptional optical clarity it can be used as a lens.
Fluorite is fragile so must be handled carefully. The colour is sensitive to light so will fade if exposed to sunlight for long periods of time.
