Fluorite | Wheal Mary Ann Mine, Menheniot, Cornwall | No. 3
Product Information
A beautiful natural Fluorite specimen from Wheal Mary Ann, Menheniot, Cornwall, featuring substantial translucent crystal formations in delicate pale green-grey tones, contrasted against warm golden-orange iron-stained matrix.
Weighing 199g, this distinctive Cornish mineral specimen combines fascinating geological character, natural crystal structure and an attractive appearance under ultraviolet lighting.
This remarkable Fluorite specimen displays prominent, translucent crystal masses with subtle pale green, grey and almost colourless tones.
The most striking feature is a substantial Fluorite crystal formation projecting from the surrounding matrix. Its broad, angular faces reveal natural internal zoning, fine fractures and intersecting cleavage-like features that catch and scatter the light.
Viewed from different angles, the Fluorite reveals variations in transparency, with some areas appearing softly frosted while others display greater clarity and depth.
The surrounding matrix is richly coloured with golden-yellow, ochre and rusty-orange mineral staining, providing a beautiful contrast against the cooler tones of the Fluorite.
Additional translucent crystal surfaces are visible along the sides and rear of the specimen, creating an irregular, naturally sculptural formation.
A close-up photograph reveals intricate internal textures and subtle rainbow-like reflections within the mineral.
Under the ultraviolet lighting used in the supplied photograph, the specimen takes on a striking blue-violet appearance. This image demonstrates its appearance under UV illumination, although the exact fluorescence response cannot be independently determined from the photograph alone.
With its combination of substantial crystal growth, attractive natural colouring and historic Cornish provenance, this is a fascinating specimen for collectors of British minerals.
About the Mineral | Fluorite
Fluorite is a naturally occurring calcium fluoride mineral (CaF2), known for its remarkable range of colours, distinctive crystal formations and occasional fluorescence under ultraviolet light.
It commonly forms in hydrothermal mineral veins when fluorine-rich fluids circulate through fractures in surrounding rock. As conditions change, dissolved minerals crystallise, producing the cubic and sometimes more complex formations associated with Fluorite.
Fluorite has a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale and possesses perfect octahedral cleavage, meaning it can break along specific crystallographic planes.
The golden-orange colouring visible across this specimen is consistent with natural iron oxide staining, while its translucent sections reveal the internal structures and fractures formed during its geological history.
Wheal Mary Ann Mine | Cornish Mining History & Heritage
This specimen is recorded as originating from Wheal Mary Ann Mine, near Menheniot in southeast Cornwall.
The Menheniot area forms part of Cornwall's historic metalliferous mining landscape, where mineral-rich hydrothermal veins developed in association with the geological processes that shaped the Cornubian granite region.
Mining in this part of Cornwall was particularly important during the nineteenth century, with copper and other metal-bearing deposits contributing to the region's industrial economy.
Fluorite is one of the minerals associated with Cornwall's hydrothermal vein systems. Although not generally the principal commercial target of the region's metal mines, it can occur alongside quartz, sulphide minerals and other vein-forming minerals.
The combination of translucent Fluorite, natural staining and visible crystal structure makes this specimen an appealing example of the mineral diversity associated with Cornwall's historic mining districts.
Provenance note: Wheal Mary Ann Mine, Menheniot, is the supplied locality for this specimen. Its individual extraction date and precise position within the mine workings are not documented.
Fluorite | Spiritual Properties & Associated Chakras
In crystal healing traditions, Fluorite is associated with mental clarity, concentration, energetic balance and the ability to approach situations with a calmer, more organised perspective.
It is often chosen by those seeking to clear mental distractions, strengthen focus and encourage thoughtful decision-making.
Associated Chakras: Third Eye Chakra and Crown Chakra.
Associated Intentions: Mental clarity, focus, balance and spiritual growth.
These associations are based on traditional crystal healing beliefs rather than scientifically established effects.
Specimen Details
- Mineral: Fluorite
- Chemical Composition: Calcium Fluoride (CaF2)
- Locality: Wheal Mary Ann Mine, Menheniot, Cornwall, England
- Weight: 120g
- Dimensions: Approximately 61.9mm x 49.7mm
- Colour: Translucent champagne-grey with golden-orange mineral staining
- Formation: Natural raw crystal specimen
- UV Appearance: Blue-violet under the photographed ultraviolet lighting conditions
- Mohs Hardness: 4
- Condition: Natural specimen with visible fractures, cleavage surfaces and mineral staining
- Quantity: One individual specimen
You will receive the exact specimen photographed. Display stand and photographic props are not included.
As a natural mineral specimen, variations in texture, surface irregularities and internal fractures are part of its individual character. Handle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.