Blue Fluorite
- Fluorite is a mineral species (also called fluorspar); cubic crystal system; chemical composition CaF2
- transparent to translucent
- green, blue, brown, yellow, orange, pink,purple, violet, colorless
- phenomena: color change
Identification
- Optic Character: SR; AGG
- Refractive Index: 1.434 (+.001).
- Birefringence: none
- Dispersion: .007
- Pleochroism: none
- Ultraviolet Fluorescence: variable,but often strong
- Absorption Spectra:
- Cause of Color: blue – color centers involving yttrium and fluorine vacancy
- Specific Gravity: 3.18 (+,07.-18)
- Polish Luster: vitreous
- Fracture: conchoidal to steplike or splintery
- Luster: vitreous to subvitreous
- Cleavage: perfect in four directions
- Identifying Characteristics: color zoning, 2- and 3-phase inclusions
- Hardness: 4
- Toughness: poor
Enhancements:
- Method: plastic or epoxy resin impregnation
Effect: seals surface breaks so that delicate carvings can be produced without breaking
Prevalence: rare
Detection: magnification, hot point, fluorescence
Stability: material is less brittle
Maior Sources: England, Switzerland, US. Others: Australia, Germany, Mexico, Namibia, Norway
Stone information is reference from
Gem Reference Guide, Published by GIA. ISBN 0-87311-019-6
Gemstones of the World, Published by Sterling Publishing Co., Inc NY, ISBN 1-4027-4016-6
Encyclopedia of GEMSTONE, Published by ISHINSHA CO., LTD. ISBN 978-986-251-831-1
