Fascinating Fluorite A Beginner & Collector's Favorite

Should you be found, be it working on your collection or walking around a mineral show, humming the song "My Favorite Things" with the mineral name 'Fluorite' worked into the lyrics, many of us collectors would totally understand, and probably join in. If that's not the case, let's see if we can make that happen.

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Fluorite, an often beautiful mineral, is found in collections of all levels. Many collectors have started with fluorite, finding it more accessible and affordable than many minerals. On the other hand, many a collector, as they and their collection have grown and matured, have made an equal effort to add fluorites. For some of us, it's hard to stop (picture me looking innocent here). So, let's begin our exploration into this most wonderful mineral.

Oh, and did I mention it can be really stunningly cool, too?

Fluorite Minerva #1 Mine Hardin Co., IL USA Jeff Starr Collection

THE BASICS

To create context and really help the interest factor, here are some fluorite basics that won't make you groan with boredom.

The composition of fluorite is CaF2, and it grows within the isometric (cubic) crystal system-basically, it tends to grow in cubes.

However, tinker with the temperature as it grows and the cubes (made up of molecular unit cells that compose the fluorite), can begin to shift as they grow and repeat.

You can find fluorite crystals that look like cubes, octahedrons, dodecahedrons and many crystals combining these shapes. Fascinating and attractive all at the same time, the variations can number in the hundreds (better get some more display cabinets).

Fluorite, an often beautiful mineral, is found in collections of all levels. Many collectors have started with fluorite, finding it more accessible and affordable than many minerals. On the other hand, many a collector, as they and their collection have grown and matured, have made an equal effort to add fluorites."