Green Fluorite Crystal Cluster | Wheal Mary Ann, Cornwall

A beautiful natural Cornish fluorite specimen displaying a delicate combination of pale mint-green, translucent grey-green, soft yellow and warm rusty-orange mineral colouration. Attributed to Wheal Mary Ann, Menheniot, Cornwall, this 170g specimen features intergrown crystalline formations, naturally irregular surfaces and contrasting areas of mineral staining.

With its subtle green colouration, translucent crystal sections and distinctive orange-brown markings, this specimen is an attractive addition to any collection of British minerals, Cornish fluorite or historic mining specimens.

Specimen Description

This distinctive specimen features a compact, naturally irregular formation with a beautiful combination of pale green fluorite crystals, translucent mineral surfaces and contrasting areas of warm orange staining.

The predominant colouration ranges from soft mint-green and pale seafoam to muted grey-green, with certain crystalline sections displaying greater transparency than others. These subtle variations create a layered appearance, particularly where individual crystal formations overlap.

Across the specimen, small areas of golden-yellow and rusty-orange staining provide a striking contrast against the cooler green mineral tones. These markings are especially noticeable around crystal boundaries, within surface recesses and along the naturally uneven edges.

The front-facing surface displays an intricate arrangement of intergrown crystals, including angular formations, partially exposed crystal faces and smaller crystalline growths occupying the spaces between larger mineral sections.

Several areas exhibit a glassy lustre, particularly where translucent green crystals catch the light. Other sections appear more textured, with naturally weathered surfaces and fine mineral deposits creating variations in reflectivity.

The side and rear photographs reveal additional pale green and yellowish translucent material, alongside darker grey-green areas and scattered orange-brown staining.

One particularly interesting feature is the contrast between the more transparent crystal sections and the densely intergrown, almost granular areas of mineral growth. This gives the specimen considerable visual depth despite its relatively compact size.

The close-up photograph highlights the angular geometry of the fluorite, with visible crystal faces, natural growth irregularities and subtle internal colour variations.

The orange-brown markings may reflect iron-bearing mineral staining or associated alteration products, although their precise composition has not been independently established.

Weighing 170g and measuring 54.8mm × 61.7mm, this is a charming Cornish mineral specimen with an attractive combination of delicate green colouration, natural crystal growth and contrasting mineral textures.

About Fluorite

Fluorite (CaF₂) is a naturally occurring calcium fluoride mineral belonging to the halide mineral group.

It crystallises in the cubic, or isometric, crystal system and has a Mohs hardness of 4.

Fluorite is particularly admired by mineral collectors for its extraordinary variety of colours, which include purple, blue, green, yellow, pink, colourless and combinations of several colours within individual specimens.

Its most recognisable crystal habit is cubic, although octahedral and more complex crystal forms also occur. Fluorite possesses perfect octahedral cleavage, allowing it to separate along specific crystallographic planes.

Fluorite is typically transparent to translucent and commonly exhibits a vitreous, or glass-like, lustre.

The mineral's varied colours can result from structural defects, trace elements and other processes affecting its crystal lattice.

Green fluorite may range from extremely pale mint and seafoam tones to rich emerald-green shades. Some specimens display distinct colour zoning, while others contain subtle variations distributed throughout their crystal structures.

Fluorite commonly forms within hydrothermal mineral veins, where heated, mineral-rich fluids circulate through fractures and cavities in surrounding rocks.

As these fluids cool or their chemical conditions change, dissolved minerals may precipitate and gradually develop crystals.

Fluorite frequently occurs alongside quartz, calcite, baryte, galena, siderite and other minerals associated with hydrothermal ore deposits.

Multiple episodes of mineral deposition can produce complex intergrowths, overlapping crystals and variations in colour or mineral association.

Some fluorite specimens exhibit fluorescence under ultraviolet light, although this property varies between specimens and should not be assumed without testing.

The natural intergrowths and contrasting mineral colours visible in this specimen illustrate the varied appearances associated with fluorite-bearing mineralisation.

Wheal Mary Ann & Cornish Geological Heritage

Wheal Mary Ann, near Menheniot in south-east Cornwall, is a historically significant mineral locality associated with the region's lead and silver mining industry.

The Menheniot district contains important mineral veins that were exploited during Cornwall's nineteenth-century mining expansion.

Although Cornwall is particularly famous for its tin and copper mines, the Menheniot area became notable for lead and silver-bearing mineral deposits.

The area's mineralisation occurs within structurally controlled veins cutting Devonian sedimentary rocks.

Historical geological records describe the Menheniot mineral veins as containing galena, quartz, chalcedony, fluorite, siderite, calcite, baryte and associated sulphide minerals.

Galena, a lead sulphide mineral, was especially important because certain deposits contained economically significant quantities of silver.

Wheal Mary Ann formed part of this wider mineral-producing district, where underground workings followed mineralised veins through the surrounding geological formations.

The British Geological Survey's Plymouth and South-East Cornwall geological memoir identifies fluorite as a major gangue mineral at Wheal Mary Ann.

Gangue minerals occur alongside economically valuable ore minerals, although they are not necessarily the principal materials being extracted.

The same geological documentation describes quartz as a principal vein filling at Wheal Mary Ann, with chalcedonic material occurring along the vein walls.

Crystalline quartz, galena and siderite are also recorded within the mineral sequence, alongside fluorite.

Importantly, geological evidence indicates that at least two generations of fluorite mineralisation may have occurred at the locality.

This suggests a complex geological history involving repeated episodes of mineral deposition and changing hydrothermal conditions.

Historical geological studies describe fluorite occurring both before and after particular stages of galena deposition.

These relationships are particularly interesting to mineral collectors because they demonstrate how a single mineral vein can develop through multiple geological events.

The wider Menheniot district is recognised for its mineralogical diversity, with fluorite forming part of a historically important assemblage of lead-silver vein minerals.

Wheal Mary Ann has also been recorded in nineteenth-century mineralogical literature, providing a documented historical connection between the locality and fluorite specimens.

For collectors of British minerals, specimens attributed to Wheal Mary Ann offer a tangible connection to Cornwall's mining heritage and the geological processes responsible for its distinctive mineral deposits.

This specimen's supplied locality attribution places it within that historic mineral-producing district.

Intention & Associated Chakras

Within traditional crystal healing practices, green fluorite is particularly associated with emotional balance, mental clarity, peaceful reflection and personal renewal.

Its gentle green colouration is traditionally linked with the Heart Chakra, while fluorite more generally is associated with concentration, clear thinking and understanding.

• Calm: Traditionally associated with emotional balance, peaceful reflection and creating a sense of inner tranquillity.
• Clarity: Symbolically connected with clear thinking, concentration and organising thoughts.
• Emotional Balance: Associated with processing emotions, restoring perspective and maintaining a balanced outlook.
• Spiritual Growth: Traditionally linked with self-awareness, personal understanding and emotional development.
• Renewal: Green fluorite is symbolically associated with fresh perspectives, personal renewal and positive change.

Associated Chakras: Heart Chakra and Third Eye Chakra.

Primary Intention: Calm.

These associations reflect traditional spiritual beliefs and are not scientifically established effects of fluorite.

Natural Formation & Symbolism

This specimen retains its naturally irregular crystalline structure, exposed mineral faces and contrasting areas of translucent green and earthy orange material.

The pale green fluorite provides the principal visual feature, with its delicate colouration becoming particularly attractive where light passes through the more translucent sections.

Its intergrown crystals and complex surfaces illustrate the character of natural mineralisation formed within geological veins.

The contrasting rusty-orange markings add further visual interest, emphasising the specimen's natural textures and the varied conditions associated with mineral deposition and alteration.

In traditional crystal symbolism, green fluorite is associated with emotional harmony, renewal and peaceful reflection.

Its green colour is also symbolically connected with nature, balance and personal growth.

Beyond these traditional interpretations, the specimen offers an appealing example of natural Cornish mineralisation and a connection to the historic mining landscape of Menheniot.

Specimen Details

• Mineral: Fluorite
• Chemical Formula: CaF₂
• Mineral Group: Halides
• Crystal System: Cubic (Isometric)
• Mohs Hardness: 4
• Supplied Locality Attribution: Wheal Mary Ann
• Location: Menheniot, Cornwall, England
• Weight: 170g
• Dimensions: 54.8mm × 61.7mm
• Formation: Natural intergrown fluorite-bearing mineral specimen
• Colour: Pale mint-green, grey-green, soft yellow, translucent cream and rusty orange
• Features: Translucent green crystalline areas, angular mineral surfaces, natural intergrowths, contrasting mineral staining and irregular crystal textures
• Shape: Raw
• Finish: Natural, unpolished
• Quantity: One individual specimen

You will receive the exact specimen photographed. Natural mineral specimens may display irregular edges, fractures, inclusions, surface alteration, uneven textures and delicate exposed crystal formations.

Display supports, acrylic stand, wooden plinth and decorative flowers shown in the photographs are not included.

Sources & References

1. British Geological Survey – Plymouth and South-East Cornwall Area, Geological Memoir (Sheet 348). Geological documentation describing the Menheniot mineral veins, Wheal Mary Ann mineralisation and multiple generations of fluorite formation.
   British Geological Survey Geological Memoir
2. British Geological Survey – Silver, Mineral Resources Consultative Committee Mineral Dossier. Geological and historical information concerning the Menheniot lead-silver mining district and the Mary Ann/Trelawny mineral veins.
   British Geological Survey Silver Mineral Dossier
3. Mindat – Wheal Mary Ann, Menheniot, Cornwall. Mineral locality database recording fluorite and associated mineral species, with historical references.
   Wheal Mary Ann Mineral Locality
4. University of Cambridge – Fluorite Mineral Collection. Mineralogical reference covering fluorite's chemical composition, cubic crystal system, cleavage and physical properties.
   University of Cambridge Fluorite Collection
5. Henwood, W. J. (1871). Observations on Metalliferous Deposits: On the Lead Mines of Menheniot, Lanreath and Saint Pinnock. Transactions of the Royal Geological Society of Cornwall, Volume 8, pages 699–722.