{"product_id":"blue-grey-fluorite-with-iron-staining-wheal-mary-ann-cornwall","title":"Blue-Grey Fluorite with Iron Staining | Wheal Mary Ann, Cornwall","description":"\u003cp\u003eA distinctive natural fluorite specimen from \u003cstrong\u003eWheal Mary Ann, Menheniot, Cornwall\u003c\/strong\u003e, displaying a beautiful combination of smoky blue-grey, slate-blue and pale greenish-grey crystalline formations. Its angular structure is highlighted by contrasting creamy-white mineral areas and warm golden-brown to rusty-orange staining, creating an attractive example of Cornwall's historic mineral heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWeighing 90g, this compact specimen features a naturally irregular, block-like formation with darker blue-grey fluorite concentrated across several prominent surfaces. Translucent crystal sections, intersecting cleavage planes and earthy mineral coatings give the piece a wonderfully rugged appearance, making it particularly appealing to collectors of British fluorite and historic Cornish minerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen displays a compact, naturally angular formation with an uneven upper edge, broad crystalline faces and a slightly tapered lower section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts most striking characteristic is the combination of \u003cstrong\u003edeep slate-blue, smoky blue-grey and muted greenish-grey fluorite\u003c\/strong\u003e, contrasted by pale translucent mineral sections and extensive golden-brown staining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAcross one prominent face, darker blue-grey crystalline areas appear between lighter fractured sections, creating a patchwork of colour and natural mineral texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral of the darker areas have a subdued glass-like lustre, while neighbouring surfaces appear more matte due to natural coatings and weathering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe blue-grey colouration varies in intensity, with some sections appearing almost charcoal-grey and others revealing softer greenish-blue tones where light passes through the mineral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGolden-brown and rusty-orange staining follows natural fractures, crystal boundaries and exposed surfaces, adding warmth and contrast to the cooler fluorite colours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe staining is particularly noticeable across the upper portion and around several darker crystal sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom another angle, the specimen reveals a prominent pale greenish-grey crystalline area surrounded by deeper blue-grey mineral formations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis lighter section has a more translucent appearance, with angular faces and internal fractures visible beneath the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSmaller interlocking crystals occur around the lower portion, creating a layered structure with a mixture of rough, naturally fractured and smoother crystalline surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse displays additional dark blue-grey fluorite, interspersed with lighter mineral material and scattered orange-brown staining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts upper edge forms an irregular ridge, with several angular crystal faces and naturally fractured sections contributing to the specimen's rugged silhouette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe side profile reveals a slightly wedge-shaped formation, with darker fluorite concentrated towards the upper and central sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAcross the surface, subtle changes in transparency create an interesting contrast between the more opaque, weathered areas and the translucent crystal faces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome sections display fine natural surface markings, while others reveal internal colour variations and geometric cleavage patterns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen's angular structure is characteristic of fluorite's crystalline nature, with intersecting surfaces producing a distinctive block-like appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeasuring \u003cstrong\u003e54.3mm × 37.7mm and weighing 90g\u003c\/strong\u003e, this specimen is a compact yet visually interesting example of Cornish fluorite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts darker blue-grey colouring, naturally weathered surfaces and contrasting iron-coloured staining make it a particularly attractive addition to a British mineral collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Fluorite\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFluorite (CaF₂)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a naturally occurring calcium fluoride mineral belonging to the halide mineral group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt crystallises in the cubic, or isometric, crystal system and has a Mohs hardness of 4.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite is widely recognised for its remarkable range of colours, including purple, green, blue, yellow, pink, brown and colourless varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese colours may develop through trace impurities, structural defects and other geological processes occurring during crystal formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlue and blue-grey fluorite can display a variety of tones, ranging from pale icy blue to deeper slate-grey and smoky blue-green shades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eColour variations within individual specimens may reflect differences in crystal growth, internal structure and geological conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite commonly forms in hydrothermal mineral veins, where heated mineral-rich fluids circulate through fractures and cavities in surrounding rocks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs the fluids cool or their chemical composition changes, dissolved minerals may crystallise within these openings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite frequently occurs alongside quartz, calcite, baryte, galena, siderite and other minerals associated with hydrothermal ore deposits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of fluorite's defining characteristics is its \u003cstrong\u003eperfect octahedral cleavage\u003c\/strong\u003e, allowing the mineral to separate along specific crystallographic planes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis property can produce distinctive angular surfaces, triangular cleavage faces and naturally fractured formations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough fluorite commonly develops cubic crystals, its cleavage characteristics can create a variety of geometric shapes when specimens are fractured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite typically displays a vitreous, or glass-like, lustre, although natural weathering, surface alteration and mineral coatings may produce frosted or matte appearances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome fluorite specimens exhibit fluorescence under ultraviolet light, although this varies considerably between individual specimens and localities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUltraviolet fluorescence has not been confirmed for this particular specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWheal Mary Ann \u0026amp; Cornish Mining Heritage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWheal Mary Ann\u003c\/strong\u003e is a historic mineral locality situated near Menheniot in south-east Cornwall, England.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Menheniot district forms part of Cornwall's extensive mining landscape and is particularly associated with historic lead and silver mining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Cornwall is internationally recognised for its tin and copper deposits, the south-eastern part of the county also contains important lead-bearing mineral veins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the nineteenth century, mining operations around Menheniot extracted lead ores, particularly galena, which could also contain economically valuable silver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe mineral veins of the district formed through hydrothermal geological processes, with heated mineral-rich fluids circulating through fractures in the surrounding rocks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese fluids deposited a varied assemblage of minerals, including quartz, fluorite, galena, siderite, calcite and other associated species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWheal Mary Ann is of particular geological interest because historical geological studies document complex relationships between successive generations of mineral deposition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBritish Geological Survey's geological memoir covering Plymouth and South-East Cornwall\u003c\/strong\u003e records fluorite as an important gangue mineral at Wheal Mary Ann.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGangue minerals occur alongside economically valuable ores but are not necessarily the principal materials being extracted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe memoir describes quartz as a significant vein-filling mineral, with chalcedonic material occurring along parts of the vein walls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrystalline quartz, galena and siderite are also documented within the mineral sequence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical geological observations indicate that at least two generations of fluorite mineralisation occurred at Wheal Mary Ann.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis suggests that the mineral veins experienced multiple episodes of deposition under changing geological conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSuch processes can produce overlapping crystalline formations, variations in colour and complex mineral associations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite from historic Cornish localities is particularly appealing to collectors interested in British mineralogy, geological history and the country's mining heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen offers an attractive example of fluorite attributed to Wheal Mary Ann, with its deep blue-grey crystalline sections, natural angular structure and contrasting iron-coloured staining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIntention \u0026amp; Associated Chakras\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWithin traditional crystal healing practices, fluorite is associated with mental clarity, concentration, emotional balance and calm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlue and blue-grey fluorite varieties are commonly connected with the \u003cstrong\u003eThroat Chakra\u003c\/strong\u003e, symbolically representing communication, understanding and self-expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite is also associated with the Third Eye Chakra, traditionally linked with intuition, awareness and clear thinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGreenish fluorite varieties are sometimes connected with the Heart Chakra, representing emotional harmony and balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalm:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditionally associated with peaceful reflection, emotional balance and a settled mindset.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMental Clarity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Symbolically connected with clear thinking, understanding and mental organisation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFocus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditionally linked with concentration, learning and maintaining attention.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommunication:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue-toned fluorite is associated with clear expression, understanding and thoughtful communication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntuition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditionally connected with awareness, perspective and personal insight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEmotional Balance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Associated with harmony, reflection and emotional awareness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssociated Chakras:\u003c\/strong\u003e Throat Chakra, Third Eye Chakra and Heart Chakra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Intention:\u003c\/strong\u003e Calm and mental clarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThese associations reflect traditional spiritual beliefs and are not scientifically established effects of fluorite.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eNatural Formation \u0026amp; Symbolism\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen retains its natural crystalline structure, angular edges, exposed cleavage surfaces and areas of mineral staining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts deep blue-grey and smoky greenish-grey sections create an attractive contrast against lighter translucent crystal formations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe block-like shape gives the specimen a compact, sculptural appearance, while its naturally fractured surfaces reveal the distinctive geometry of fluorite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGolden-brown and rusty-orange staining highlights several crystal boundaries and surface features, adding warmth to the darker mineral colours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe mixture of translucent, opaque and weathered sections provides visual depth, with different crystal faces reflecting light in subtly different ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWithin traditional crystal symbolism, blue fluorite is associated with communication and clear thinking, while greenish fluorite is linked with emotional balance and harmony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of these colours is sometimes interpreted as representing a balance between thoughtful expression and emotional understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond its symbolic associations, the specimen's appeal lies in its distinctive colouration, naturally rugged formation and connection to Cornwall's historic mineral-producing landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMineral:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fluorite\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChemical Formula:\u003c\/strong\u003e CaF₂\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMineral Group:\u003c\/strong\u003e Halides\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal System:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cubic (Isometric)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMohs Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupplied Locality Attribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wheal Mary Ann\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Menheniot, Cornwall, England\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 54.3mm × 37.7mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural fluorite specimen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slate-blue, smoky blue-grey, greenish-grey, cream and rusty-orange\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark blue-grey fluorite, translucent crystalline sections, angular cleavage surfaces, natural fractures, mineral coatings and golden-brown staining\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Raw\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural, unpolished\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity:\u003c\/strong\u003e One individual specimen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou will receive the exact specimen photographed. Natural mineral specimens may display irregular edges, fractures, inclusions, uneven surfaces, mineral staining and delicate crystalline formations.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe acrylic display support, wooden plinth and decorative flowers shown in the photographs are not included.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSources \u0026amp; References\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBritish Geological Survey – Plymouth and South-East Cornwall Area, Geological Memoir (Sheet 348).\u003c\/strong\u003e Geological documentation describing the Menheniot mineral veins, Wheal Mary Ann mineralisation and multiple generations of fluorite formation.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/webapps.bgs.ac.uk\/memoirs\/docs\/B06072.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eBritish Geological Survey Geological Memoir\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBritish Geological Survey – Silver, Mineral Resources Consultative Committee Mineral Dossier.\u003c\/strong\u003e Geological and historical information concerning the Menheniot lead-silver mining district.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/nora.nerc.ac.uk\/id\/eprint\/540032\/1\/B02707.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eBritish Geological Survey Silver Mineral Dossier\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMindat – Wheal Mary Ann, Menheniot, Cornwall.\u003c\/strong\u003e Mineral locality database documenting fluorite and associated mineral species.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.mindat.org\/loc-1074.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eWheal Mary Ann Mineral Locality\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUniversity of Cambridge – Fluorite Mineral Collection.\u003c\/strong\u003e Mineralogical information concerning fluorite's chemical composition, crystal system, cleavage and physical properties.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/p1acollections.esc.cam.ac.uk\/p1acollections\/exhibits\/show\/minerals\/fluorite.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eUniversity of Cambridge Fluorite Collection\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHenwood, W. J. (1871).\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eObservations on Metalliferous Deposits: On the Lead Mines of Menheniot, Lanreath and Saint Pinnock.\u003c\/em\u003e Transactions of the Royal Geological Society of Cornwall, Volume 8, pages 699–722.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e","brand":"Harpo's Angels","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59274833264975,"sku":"D20","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1028\/1238\/5615\/files\/download_f954433b-9fa3-41a0-a683-38eaeb6030ad.png?v=1793045146","url":"https:\/\/harposangels.co.uk\/products\/blue-grey-fluorite-with-iron-staining-wheal-mary-ann-cornwall","provider":"Harpo's Angels","version":"1.0","type":"link"}