{"product_id":"pale-blue-fluorite-cluster-wheal-mary-ann-cornwall","title":"Pale Blue Fluorite Cluster | Wheal Mary Ann, Cornwall","description":"\u003cp\u003eA beautiful natural \u003cstrong\u003epale blue fluorite specimen from Wheal Mary Ann, Menheniot, Cornwall\u003c\/strong\u003e, featuring delicate icy-blue crystalline formations, soft white mineralised areas and subtle golden-brown staining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWeighing 110g, this distinctive specimen displays a naturally irregular, angular formation with densely clustered translucent crystals and contrasting areas of deeper blue-grey fluorite. Its frosted appearance, intricate crystalline texture and historic Cornish locality make it an attractive addition to a British mineral collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis attractive Cornish fluorite specimen features a \u003cstrong\u003edensely crystalline surface of pale blue and blue-grey fluorite\u003c\/strong\u003e, with irregularly arranged crystal faces creating a delicate, textured appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen has an unusual, naturally angular shape, with a broader crystalline upper section tapering towards a narrower lower point when displayed upright.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts predominant colour is a soft, icy blue, ranging from almost colourless and milky white to slightly deeper slate-blue and smoky blue-grey areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe upper and central sections are particularly attractive, displaying numerous small, translucent crystal faces that overlap to form a complex crystalline surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome of these crystals possess a gentle glass-like lustre, while others appear frosted or slightly opaque, creating subtle variations in texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe pale blue colouration is distributed unevenly throughout the specimen, with darker blue-grey patches visible beneath lighter crystalline material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese variations create a naturally mottled appearance, particularly noticeable when the specimen is viewed from above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe overhead photograph reveals a broad area of closely packed, angular crystals, with numerous small reflective surfaces catching the light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIndividual crystal faces display geometric edges and stepped formations, characteristic of fluorite's cubic crystal system and perfect octahedral cleavage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral areas contain creamy-white mineralised material, producing a soft contrast against the cooler blue fluorite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFine golden-yellow and rusty orange-brown staining is also visible across selected areas, particularly near the specimen's lower edges and along some natural fractures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis staining is consistent in appearance with iron-bearing mineral coatings, although its exact composition has not been independently established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse and side profiles reveal additional translucent grey-green crystalline material, with darker internal areas visible beneath the paler outer surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese contrasting sections give the specimen a layered appearance, with areas of translucent fluorite alternating with more opaque, finely crystalline material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts natural surface includes irregular edges, small cavities, intersecting crystal faces and subtle variations in transparency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike polished fluorite, this specimen retains the original textures and imperfections associated with its natural geological formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of delicate icy-blue colouration, densely clustered crystals and contrasting mineral staining makes this an appealing example of fluorite attributed to the historic Wheal Mary Ann locality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeasuring \u003cstrong\u003e36.2mm × 60.3mm and weighing 110g\u003c\/strong\u003e, it is a compact specimen suitable for collectors of Cornish minerals, British mining specimens and naturally formed fluorite.\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 renowned for its remarkable range of natural colours, including purple, blue, green, yellow, brown, pink and colourless varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts colouration can be influenced by structural defects, trace impurities and geological conditions present during crystal formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlue fluorite is particularly attractive because its colour can vary considerably depending on lighting, crystal thickness and the presence of internal fractures or inclusions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome specimens display soft, almost colourless blue tones, while others develop deeper blue, violet-blue or smoky blue-grey colouration.\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 undergo changes in chemical conditions, 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 characteristics is its \u003cstrong\u003eperfect octahedral cleavage\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis allows the mineral to separate along specific crystallographic planes, producing angular fractures and distinctive geometric surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough fluorite commonly develops cubic crystals, natural breakage and cleavage can create stepped, triangular and irregular crystalline formations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite typically displays a vitreous, or glass-like, lustre, although natural weathering, fine crystal growth and mineral coatings may create frosted or matte textures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome fluorite specimens exhibit fluorescence under ultraviolet light, although the colour and intensity vary between specimens and localities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUltraviolet fluorescence has not been confirmed for this individual 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 significant 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 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 delicate pale blue colouration, frosted crystalline surfaces and distinctive natural formation.\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\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlue fluorite\u003c\/strong\u003e is commonly connected with the Throat Chakra, symbolically representing communication, self-expression, understanding and thoughtful expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also associated with the Third Eye Chakra, traditionally linked with insight, mental clarity, intuition and perception.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite as a mineral is particularly associated with mental organisation, concentration and maintaining a clear perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMental Clarity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditionally associated with clear thinking, understanding and mental organisation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalm:\u003c\/strong\u003e Symbolically connected with peaceful reflection, tranquillity and emotional balance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommunication:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue fluorite is traditionally associated with thoughtful expression and clear communication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFocus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Commonly linked with concentration, learning and maintaining attention.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEmotional Balance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Symbolically associated with maintaining perspective and emotional harmony.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntuition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditionally connected with insight, reflection and personal understanding.\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 Calm, mental clarity and communication.\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, with irregular edges, densely packed crystal faces and contrasting areas of translucent and opaque mineral material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts gently pointed formation creates a distinctive silhouette, while the broad crystalline surface reveals numerous small angular faces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe pale blue and white colouration gives the specimen a delicate, almost icy appearance, contrasting with the deeper blue-grey material visible beneath the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSubtle golden-brown mineral staining adds warmth to the cooler crystalline colours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of glassy and frosted surfaces creates an attractive variation in texture, particularly under directional lighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWithin traditional crystal symbolism, blue fluorite is associated with clarity, calm and communication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond these symbolic associations, this specimen's principal appeal lies in its delicate natural colouration, intricate 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\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 110g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 36.2mm × 60.3mm\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 Pale blue, icy blue, blue-grey, milky white and subtle golden-brown staining\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Densely clustered crystals, natural colour variations, translucent crystalline sections, frosted surfaces, angular cleavage faces, irregular formation and minor 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 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":59284577321295,"sku":"B24","price":24.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1028\/1238\/5615\/files\/download_3cec7bdb-5ab0-4f65-b48d-96f1d597279c.png?v=1793124161","url":"https:\/\/harposangels.co.uk\/products\/pale-blue-fluorite-cluster-wheal-mary-ann-cornwall","provider":"Harpo's Angels","version":"1.0","type":"link"}