{"product_id":"golden-fluorite-on-matrix-wheal-mary-ann-cornwall","title":"Golden Fluorite on Matrix | Wheal Mary Ann, Cornwall","description":"\u003cp\u003eA substantial natural \u003cstrong\u003epale blue-grey fluorite specimen from Wheal Mary Ann, Menheniot, Cornwall\u003c\/strong\u003e, displaying muted blue and grey crystalline sections, creamy-white mineral growth, translucent crystal faces and contrasting golden-brown mineral staining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWeighing an impressive \u003cstrong\u003e670g\u003c\/strong\u003e, this Cornish mineral specimen features a chunky, irregular formation with intergrown crystalline areas, angular surfaces and contrasting textures. Its considerable weight, complex mineral structure and historic locality make it an appealing addition to a British mineral collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis substantial specimen displays a beautiful combination of \u003cstrong\u003epale blue-grey, soft silvery blue, cloudy white, warm cream and earthy golden-brown\u003c\/strong\u003e, creating a naturally layered appearance across its rugged surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen has a broad, irregular formation with a substantial crystalline body and several raised areas of mineral growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts most distinctive feature is the distribution of muted blue-grey fluorite throughout the lighter surrounding matrix, producing contrasting patches of colour and transparency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAcross the principal face, numerous angular crystal surfaces intersect with smaller crystalline sections, creating a complex arrangement of natural geometric formations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome areas display a translucent, glass-like appearance, while others possess a more opaque, granular or softly frosted texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe pale blue-grey mineral sections are particularly attractive where they emerge from the surrounding creamy-white crystalline material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral broad crystal faces show subtle internal cloudiness, fine natural fractures and variations in transparency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlong the upper portion, irregular mineral growth forms a slightly raised, uneven surface with a mixture of angular edges and smaller interlocking crystalline sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen also contains scattered darker grey areas, adding depth to its otherwise pale colour palette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGolden-brown and rusty-orange staining occurs across several surfaces, crystal boundaries and natural fractures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese markings are consistent in appearance with iron-bearing mineral staining, although their precise chemical composition has not been independently established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eViewed from the side, the specimen reveals a substantial thickness and a layered arrangement of crystalline material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral larger angular surfaces contrast with more fragmented and granular sections, highlighting the complexity of its natural formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse displays additional creamy-white and pale grey crystalline growth, with irregular edges, mineral inclusions and natural surface textures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom above, the specimen reveals a broad network of intersecting crystalline areas, with blue-grey mineral sections appearing between lighter, more opaque formations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of muted colours, rugged structure and contrasting crystalline textures gives this specimen a particularly distinctive appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike a polished crystal, this piece retains its natural geological character, including irregular edges, surface fractures, uneven mineral growth and areas of weathering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeasuring \u003cstrong\u003e75.0mm × 58.2mm and weighing 670g\u003c\/strong\u003e, this is a substantial display specimen attributed to the historic Wheal Mary Ann locality in Cornwall.\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 admired for its remarkable range of natural colours, including purple, blue, green, yellow, pink, brown and colourless varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese colours can arise through structural defects, trace impurities and geological conditions during mineral formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlue fluorite may range from delicate pale blue and blue-grey shades to deeper, more saturated blue and violet-blue tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eVariations in colour and transparency can occur within a single specimen, particularly where multiple crystalline areas have developed under changing geological conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite commonly forms within hydrothermal mineral veins, where heated, mineral-rich fluids circulate through fractures and cavities in surrounding rocks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs these fluids cool or experience changes in pressure and chemical composition, dissolved minerals may crystallise within the available spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite frequently occurs alongside quartz, calcite, baryte, galena, siderite and other minerals associated with hydrothermal deposits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of fluorite's defining physical characteristics is its \u003cstrong\u003eperfect octahedral cleavage\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis allows the mineral to separate along particular crystallographic planes, producing distinctive angular surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough fluorite commonly forms cubic crystals, natural cleavage and breakage can produce stepped, triangular and irregular geometric formations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite typically possesses a vitreous, or glass-like, lustre, although weathering, fine crystalline growth and surface coatings can create a more frosted appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome fluorite specimens exhibit fluorescence under ultraviolet light, although this varies between individual specimens and localities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUltraviolet fluorescence has not been confirmed for this 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\u003eAlthough Cornwall is internationally recognised for its tin and copper deposits, the south-eastern region 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\u003eThese mineral deposits developed through hydrothermal geological processes, with heated mineral-rich fluids circulating through fractures in the surrounding rocks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOver time, these 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 particularly interesting because historical geological investigations 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 identifies 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 geological memoir describes quartz as a significant vein-filling mineral, with chalcedonic material occurring along portions 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 complex mineral associations, overlapping crystalline formations and variations in crystal development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite from historic Cornish localities is particularly appealing to collectors interested in British mineralogy, geological history and Cornwall's industrial heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen offers a substantial example of fluorite attributed to Wheal Mary Ann, combining muted blue-grey colouration, pale crystalline matrix material and naturally occurring mineral staining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIntention \u0026amp; Associated Chakras\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWithin traditional crystal healing practices, blue fluorite is associated with mental clarity, calm communication, focus and emotional balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlue fluorite\u003c\/strong\u003e is commonly connected with peaceful expression, clear thinking and maintaining a balanced perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts soft blue colouration is traditionally associated with the Throat Chakra, symbolically representing communication, honesty and personal expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite as a mineral is also frequently associated with concentration, organisation and supporting a calm, balanced mindset.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePeace \u0026amp; Calm:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditionally associated with tranquillity, relaxation and emotional steadiness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMental Clarity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Symbolically linked with clear thinking, understanding and mental organisation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommunication:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue fluorite is traditionally connected with thoughtful expression and honest communication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFocus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Commonly associated with concentration, learning and maintaining perspective.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEmotional Balance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Symbolically connected with calmness and maintaining emotional harmony.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePersonal Growth:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditionally associated with self-awareness, understanding and positive change.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Chakra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Throat Chakra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSecondary Chakra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Third Eye Chakra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Intention:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mental clarity, communication and emotional balance.\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, displaying a substantial irregular formation with overlapping angular surfaces, internal fractures and contrasting translucent and opaque areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts broad, chunky silhouette gives it a strong visual presence, while the complex arrangement of mineral growth creates considerable detail across its surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe pale blue-grey crystalline sections contrast with creamy-white and champagne-coloured mineral material, producing a muted, naturally weathered appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral surfaces display fine natural markings, stepped crystalline boundaries and smaller intergrown formations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eScattered golden-brown mineral staining highlights selected fractures and crystal boundaries, adding warmth to the cooler blue-grey tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWithin traditional crystal symbolism, raw fluorite is associated with clarity, balance and maintaining a connection to the natural world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond these symbolic associations, this specimen's principal appeal lies in its substantial size, varied mineral textures, natural crystalline structure 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 on natural matrix\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChemical Formula:\u003c\/strong\u003e CaF₂ (fluorite)\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 (fluorite)\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 670g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75.0mm × 58.2mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural fluorite-bearing mineral specimen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pale blue-grey, silvery blue, creamy white, champagne, golden-brown and rusty-orange\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Angular crystalline formations, translucent crystal faces, natural matrix, frosted mineral textures, surface fractures and mineral 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 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":59285037744463,"sku":"A74","price":74.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1028\/1238\/5615\/files\/download_aff6fc16-8eb0-4136-9a4a-aea8012e58bc.png?v=1793127914","url":"https:\/\/harposangels.co.uk\/products\/golden-fluorite-on-matrix-wheal-mary-ann-cornwall","provider":"Harpo's Angels","version":"1.0","type":"link"}