Why does fluorite glow in the dark?

Fluorspar is the mineralogical name for fluorite. The stone got its name back in the 16th century due to the fluidity property it possesses. Fluor is translated from Latin as “fluid.” And the “father” of mineralogy, George Agricola, awarded him this name. But this does not mean at all that the scientist discovered this stone. The mineral fluorite has been used by humanity for many centuries. In ancient Rome, vases made from this mineral were highly valued. But then he was called differently – murin. And the cost of such things was commensurate with the price of gold items. None of the vases have survived; we can judge their beauty only from descriptions in the works of Pliny the Elder. In Saxony, miners called this stone the ore flower for its unusual color. Objects and jewelry found in the Czech Republic and Ukraine are more than 100 centuries old. There are many deposits of this mineral. The largest are located in Germany, Scotland, England, China, and the USA. In Russia, it is mined in the Primorsky Territory, Buryatia and Transbaikalia. The most important export suppliers are Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan.

Varieties and physicochemical properties

Fluorite stone can be very diverse. It is impossible to choose a pair of identical stones or even very similar ones – they are all different. Colors range from completely colorless to black. It has a heterogeneous color, with transitions from dark (along the edges) to light (in the center). There may be spots, stripes and stains with a smooth flow of colors. The most common stones are blue and purple. Yellow, red and green fluorite are often found. And transparent and colorless ones are very rare. The color is directly dependent on the content of rare earth elements, as well as the location of extraction. Based on the presence of impurities and color, the following groups are distinguished:

1. Ratovkit. Color ranges from purple to violet. Fine-earthy, granular and loose structure.
2. Yttrofluorite. Enriched with yttrium. Has yellow tints.
3. Chlorophane. It contains samarium ions. It is characterized by a green color, which becomes brighter and more saturated as the temperature rises.
4. Antozonite. Contains fluoride. Radioactive. Typically dark purple, sometimes almost black. The so-called stinking spar, or Derbyshire amethyst. When crushed or sharply struck, it emits a characteristic fluoride aroma.
5. “Blue John” A dense, grainy gem (mined in Devonshire). Two-color striped mineral. Purple with white or yellow.
6. Zerfluorite. Enriched with elements of the cerium group.

Crystals most often have a cubic shape, sometimes octahedral, and even more rarely rhombic dodecahedron. They can be single, binary (in the form of two interpenetrating cubes) and aggregate (several crystals and their intergrowths). They have a greasy, glassy sheen.

This mineral belongs to the group of calcium fluorides. Its chemical formula is CaF2. The properties of fluorite stone include the following qualities:

1. It dissolves in acids, in particular hydrochloric acid, releasing toxic hydrogen sulfide.
2. Melting point above 1360 °C.
3. The hardness on the Mohs scale is 4. It scratches very easily.
4. When exposed to ultraviolet rays it begins to glow.
5. When heated, it changes the density of its internal color and glows in the dark.
6. Changes under radioactive radiation.
7. Increased fragility. Upon impact, it shatters into pieces.

Application

Fluorite can be called a hard worker stone. Most minerals are mined specifically for production. The use of fluorite in industry is very wide:

1. In the production of hydrofluoric acid and anhydrous hydrogen fluoride. For further production of complex fluoride compounds.
2. As a flux in the metallurgical industry. Accelerates the melting process, improves slag separation, and lowers the melting point.
3. As additives in welding electrodes. They improve the quality and strength of welds.
4. In the nuclear industry.
5. In ceramic production. In the manufacture of enamels and glazes.
6. In the glass industry. To add color to glass and reduce melting time. For making lenses.
7. In the production of aluminum. Cryolite, which also contains fluorspar, is used in production.
8. In the cement industry. Reduces firing temperature, improves cement quality.

In the jewelry industry, fluorite is practically not used as inserts, although it is considered semi-precious. Beads, bracelets, pendants, etc. are made from it. It is used as an ornamental stone for making figurines, boxes, vases and various souvenirs. It is of interest to collectors because of its very beautiful, unusual and large crystals. Since ancient times, fluorite has been passed off as real precious stones, such as ruby, amethyst, citrine, and emerald. But it is easily recognized due to its low hardness.

Magical properties

They say that it surpasses all stones in its magical qualities, as it glows in the dark. He is considered the most powerful in esoteric terms. It can dramatically change the course of a person’s life, so it must be used wisely. The following magical properties of fluorite can be distinguished:

• opens the “third eye”;
• with its help they look at the future during spiritualistic seances;
• gives the gift of providence;
• gives wisdom;
• improves intuition;
• protects from ill-wishers.

According to the horoscope, fluorspar corresponds most to Aquarius, and to a lesser extent to Pisces and Gemini. Those signs for whom this stone is suitable will receive great energy supply and help from it. The most valuable is a transparent, colorless mineral. Its energy is beneficial to all zodiac signs. But there is one exception. Fluorite should not be worn by Sagittarius. In them it causes loss of strength, fear and depression.

The crystal is a powerful stimulator of spiritual development, because it distracts from material values ​​and vanity. It is recommended to store it in a tight box or box. It is believed that in the dark the stone accumulates power. Ancient magicians cherished their talismans like the apple of their eye. A purple pyramid-shaped stone is used for meditation, as it helps to tune into subtle planes. It helps to gain clarity of mind, wisdom and peace of mind.

Medicinal properties

But this stone is used not only in magic. It is also successfully used for medical purposes. It is not used internally (in powder form), since fluoride is harmful to health. It is used in lithotherapy in the form of massage balls for a general restorative massage of the head and body. A number of diseases are treated by applying warm stones. Let’s list how fluorite helps:

• relieves headaches;
• normalizes pressure;
• improving sleep;
• improves brain activity, relieves epilepsy attacks;
• strengthens the cardiovascular system;
• helps to get out of depression.

Gives energy and strength, relieves stress and fatigue. Calms the nervous system and is highly recommended for people prone to hysterical conditions. Helps with weather dependence.

Transparent fluorspar harmonizes the aura and energizes. Green crystals cleanse energy, heal mental wounds, open the subconscious and enhance intuition. Yellow stones are suitable for creative people; they help unlock potential. Blue fluorite organizes brain activity and manages energy. The violet or purple mineral is the most mysterious and magical, since it is it that opens the “third eye” and gives common sense.

Fluorite’s properties are a powerful talisman and amulet. It is suitable for everyone, not just magicians and soothsayers. It is useful for lovers to have it to protect them from the evil eye; in the family it will protect them from quarrels. This stone helps lonely people find their soulmate. It will protect you from misfortunes and help you overcome difficulties. It is very useful to carry a fluorite product with you. It could be a ring, earrings or just a keychain.

Fluorite is a semi-precious stone of mesmerizing beauty. Nature has endowed it with a wide range of colors, attractive glass luster and unique properties.

Origin of the mineral

The mineralogical name is fluorspar. It was assigned to it back in the 16th century due to its fluidity property. The stone was named fluorite because of one of its unique properties – to glow in the dark. It has the so-called fluorescence effect. From Latin, “fluor” literally translates as “fluid.” This name was given to the crystal by the German physician and famous scientist Gregory Agricola, but the mineral was known to the world under other names long before that.

Rich deposits of fluorite are located in Germany, Scotland, England, Italy, Mongolia, China, Greece, and Kazakhstan. In Russia, fluorspar development is carried out in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Primorye, and Bashkiria.

Variety of color palette

The color range of fluorite is quite diverse. In mineralogy, the classification of stones according to their color is known:

• anthozonite – dark blue, almost black;
• chrome fluorite – bright green;
• chlorophane – rich emerald;
• ratovkit – pink-violet;
• lithos-lazuli – specimens with spectacular red stripes;
• yttrofluorite – yellow;
• “Blue John”, “Blue John” is a stone of amazing beauty with tints of blue, purple, and white.

Blue-green fluorite is considered the most common in nature. It is quite rare to find absolutely transparent crystals without any impurities and specimens of pink-red shades. Collectors highly value specimens with rainbow colors and splashes, the so-called “hairies.”

In its appearance, the mineral resembles other stones, for which it was called a “false stone.” Even scientists for a long time confused it with other precious and semi-precious minerals until they discovered its unique strange property: the crystal glows in the dark.

Interesting fact

The earliest mention of crystal as a decorative stone dates back to 1500. Then it was used as a material for making interior figurines and vases in China and European countries. Thanks to its wide color palette, the mineral was popular among artisans at that time.

Physicochemical characteristics

Fluorite is calcium fluoride, CaF2. This is the only stone that contains fluoride. The crystal itself is transparent, completely colorless. Beautiful shades are caused by impurities of various chemical elements – nickel, chromium, iron. Samples containing radioactive uranium are also found in nature.

Fluorite has a crystalline structure, it is brittle and not very hard – 4 points on the Mohs scale. Density – 3,18 g/cm3. The crystals have a rich glassy luster.

The mineral melts at a temperature of 1360 degrees. It dissolves in hydrochloric acid, releasing a poisonous gas.

Applications

Due to its unique properties, fluorite is widely used in such areas as:

• metallurgy;
• chemical industry;
• jewelry making;
• arts and crafts;
• optics.

The jewelry industry and arts and crafts have become the main areas of application of fluorite. Various jewelry is made from the stone – bracelets, beads, pendants, rings, rings, earrings and even cufflinks. Cupronickel or silver is best combined with a crystal as a frame; gold is used less often.

The mineral is used in the production of original interior items, such as vases, figurines, souvenirs, photo and painting frames, and ashtrays. The rarest crystals in their raw form are of great interest to collectors.