Specimen Highlights
“Black” Fluorite
Chemical formula: CaF2 (Calcium fluoride)
Color: Black in appearance, but really dark purple, green, or blue.
Hardness: Semi-soft (4)
Crystal system: Isometric
Occurrence: RARE
Health risks: None
Wow factors:
- Super dark specimens are very rare and prized specimens.
- Often so dark they must be back-lit to show their true color (as seen in the combined images).
- The dark color is caused by exposure to radiation during the crystal’s growth.
Care tips:
- As with any fluorite, you can wash it in warm soapy water and rinse with distilled water to reduce the chance of water spots on the surface.
- Can fade in sunlight! Do not display in direct sunlight or you can fade the rare color of the specimen.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners or soaps with alcohol! This can damage the crystals.
Locality of this piece: Locality of this piece is currently unknown, but similar dark specimens have been found in Mexico, Namibia, Illinois, and Kentucky.
Price range: The darker and more opaque the crystals are, the more expensive they become. Super dark specimens can be over $50 depending on the size and aesthetic looks of the crystals. Lighter specimens that are dark, but can see the true color in some areas will be much more affordable.
Written By: cc-da-wolf