{"product_id":"pale-blue-fluorite-with-golden-iron-oxide-wheal-mary-ann-menheniot-cornwall","title":"Pale Blue Fluorite with Golden Iron Oxide | Wheal Mary Ann, Menheniot, Cornwall","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking natural \u003cstrong\u003epale blue fluorite specimen from Wheal Mary Ann, Menheniot, Cornwall\u003c\/strong\u003e, displaying translucent blue-grey crystalline formations, contrasting golden-orange iron oxide staining and intricate mineral textures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWeighing \u003cstrong\u003e310g\u003c\/strong\u003e, this beautiful Cornish mineral specimen features a combination of softly coloured fluorite, naturally fractured crystal faces and richly coloured iron-stained areas that reveal the complexity of its geological formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis substantial fluorite specimen presents an attractive combination of \u003cstrong\u003epale icy-blue, blue-grey and translucent colourless crystalline sections\u003c\/strong\u003e, interspersed with vivid rusty-orange and golden-brown mineral staining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe principal display face reveals broad, angular fluorite surfaces with varying degrees of transparency. Some sections appear softly clouded, while others possess a glass-like appearance that allows light to penetrate the crystal structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAcross the specimen, naturally occurring iron oxide staining creates striking areas of warm orange and ochre, contrasting beautifully with the cooler blue-grey fluorite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese deposits follow crystal boundaries, natural fractures and irregular surface features, highlighting the complex mineral growth and alteration processes associated with the specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne particularly interesting area contains a small recess surrounded by golden-orange mineral deposits and translucent crystalline growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe close-up photograph reveals an intricate arrangement of angular crystal faces, fine surface textures and small reflective mineral surfaces within this recess.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe opposite face displays a broader expanse of pale blue-grey fluorite, with numerous overlapping crystalline surfaces and naturally occurring inclusions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts irregular, elongated formation creates an attractive display profile, particularly when positioned to showcase the contrasting blue fluorite and richly coloured iron-stained areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeasuring \u003cstrong\u003e83.8mm × 55.0mm and weighing 310g\u003c\/strong\u003e, this specimen offers an appealing combination of colour, texture and historic Cornish mineral provenance.\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 particularly admired for its extraordinary range of colours, including purple, blue, green, yellow, pink, grey and colourless varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts colouration can be influenced by trace impurities, structural defects and the geological conditions present during mineral formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlue fluorite is especially attractive for its cool, delicate colouring and varying degrees of translucency.\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 temperature, pressure and chemistry, 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 hydrothermal minerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts distinctive cubic crystal habit is one of its most recognisable characteristics, although fluorite also possesses perfect octahedral cleavage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese cleavage planes can produce angular surfaces and complex internal structures when crystals naturally fracture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe golden-orange staining visible across this specimen is consistent with iron oxide or iron oxyhydroxide mineralisation, which can develop through the alteration and oxidation of iron-bearing minerals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSuch staining is commonly encountered in historic mineral specimens and provides additional visual evidence of the geological processes affecting the host mineral.\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 surrounding 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 contain economically valuable silver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese mineral deposits developed through hydrothermal geological processes, as heated mineral-rich fluids circulated through fractures within the surrounding rocks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOver time, these fluids deposited a varied assemblage of minerals, including quartz, fluorite, galena, siderite and associated species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBritish Geological Survey's geological memoir covering Plymouth and South-East Cornwall\u003c\/strong\u003e documents 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\u003eHistorical geological observations indicate that multiple episodes of fluorite mineralisation occurred at Wheal Mary Ann.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis suggests that the mineral veins experienced changing geological conditions and successive periods of mineral deposition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSuch processes can create complex crystalline associations, overlapping mineral growth and variations in crystal development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of translucent blue-grey fluorite and contrasting iron-stained surfaces makes this specimen particularly interesting from a geological perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite specimens attributed to historic Cornish mining localities are especially appealing to collectors interested in British mineralogy, geological history and Cornwall's mining heritage.\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, emotional balance and intuitive understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts delicate blue colouring is traditionally connected with the \u003cstrong\u003eThroat Chakra\u003c\/strong\u003e, symbolising communication, truth and self-expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite more generally is associated with concentration, clear thinking and emotional balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMental Clarity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditionally associated with clear thinking, concentration and understanding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommunication:\u003c\/strong\u003e Symbolically connected with honest expression and thoughtful conversation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalm:\u003c\/strong\u003e Associated with peaceful reflection and emotional balance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntuition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditionally linked with insight and personal awareness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFocus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Associated with organisation, learning and concentration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePersonal Growth:\u003c\/strong\u003e Symbolically connected with understanding and positive change.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssociated Chakra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Throat Chakra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Intention:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mental clarity, communication and calm.\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 raw formation, displaying an irregular, elongated structure with numerous overlapping fluorite crystal surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe pale blue-grey crystalline areas contrast with the vivid golden-orange and rusty-brown iron staining, creating a distinctive geological appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAngular crystal faces, natural cleavage surfaces and small mineral-filled recesses provide further detail across the specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of translucent sections and more opaque crystalline areas creates variation in how light interacts with the mineral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWithin traditional crystal symbolism, blue fluorite represents clarity, communication and emotional balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond these symbolic associations, the specimen's principal appeal lies in its natural crystalline detail, contrasting mineral colours 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 with iron oxide staining\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\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 310g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 83.8mm × 55.0mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural fluorite specimen with iron-stained crystalline surfaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pale blue, blue-grey, translucent white, golden orange and rusty brown\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Angular fluorite crystal faces, natural cleavage surfaces, translucent crystalline areas, iron oxide staining and mineral-filled recesses\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":59287038296399,"sku":"A68","price":68.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1028\/1238\/5615\/files\/download_5b1e8c42-443b-4196-b5ea-380a09f50642.png?v=1793132421","url":"https:\/\/harposangels.co.uk\/products\/pale-blue-fluorite-with-golden-iron-oxide-wheal-mary-ann-menheniot-cornwall","provider":"Harpo's Angels","version":"1.0","type":"link"}