First hello - Over the Fluorite Rainbow!

Welcome to my new blog!

I thought I would start by talking a bit about my current favourite stone - fluorite or fluorspar, as it is also called. These big stunning stones came from a supplier in the USA and I was absolutely mesmerised by them when I opened the package. They called out to be made into a simple yet stunning necklace which I did almost immediately and they sold before I had even entered them into my stock book or taken a picture! The new owner was very understanding and let me take a couple of pics for prosterity!!

Fluorite is the mineralogical name for Fluorspar. I tend to call it by the latter, but it seems that the former is more recognised these days. (Showing my age, aren't I!) It is quite a soft stone, with a hardness of 4 and for this reason it really shouldn't be used in bracelets or rings where it is likely to get a knock and break. But for necklaces and earrings - belissimo!

Fluorite/fluorspar is a readily available gemstone made from calcium fluoride and forms in the cubic system. It is often found in a purplish-grey, soft-green and cloudy-clear colours. But it can also come in violet, green, yellow, orange, blue, red, pink and brown. Colour is often zonal or spotty (as can seen in the picture). It is possible to treat fluorspar with gamma rays to change its colour.

It is translucent to transparent with a vitreous lustre and it is found in England, France, Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, Argentina, Namibia and Burma.

I have found these big beautiful chunks of fluorite/flourspar really need very little in the way of enhancing with other gems. In such cuts it is a stone that can speak for itself! All recent pieces made with the lovely stone have sold....already!! See, other people appreciate this stone as well!


Ciao till next time.


I have another blog at: http://blogs.cjb.net/peridot/ but it is more about my business! There are some pretty nice pics of jewellery in there though if you want to check it out!!