Pale Green & Blue-Grey Fluorite | Wheal Mary Ann, Cornwall

A beautiful natural fluorite specimen from Wheal Mary Ann, Menheniot, Cornwall, featuring pale sage-green and creamy-white crystalline formations surrounding deeper blue-grey and olive-green translucent sections. Its naturally irregular, sculptural shape is complemented by angular crystal faces, delicate mineral coatings and scattered rusty-orange staining.

Weighing 125g, this distinctive Cornish mineral specimen displays an upright, asymmetrical formation with contrasting translucent and opaque areas. The combination of cool greenish-grey fluorite, frosted crystalline surfaces and warm iron-coloured staining creates an attractive example of the mineral diversity associated with Cornwall's historic mining landscape.

Specimen Description

This specimen features a naturally irregular, upright formation with a narrow upper section, broader lower portion and an interesting arrangement of overlapping crystalline structures.

The principal face displays pale sage-green, soft olive-green, blue-grey and creamy-white tones, with several translucent sections revealing darker mineral colouring beneath the surface.

One of its most distinctive features is a deeper greenish-grey crystalline area positioned towards the upper centre of the specimen.

This darker section contrasts with the surrounding pale mineral formations, creating a layered appearance with variations in transparency and internal structure.

The upper portion rises into an uneven, naturally pointed profile, with pale translucent crystal sections and smaller angular formations extending towards the tip.

Across the lower portion, interlocking crystalline surfaces create a more compact appearance, with individual crystal faces reflecting light differently depending on the viewing angle.

Some sections display a soft glass-like lustre, while others have a frosted or matte finish caused by natural surface textures and mineral coatings.

The specimen also features scattered rusty-orange and golden-brown staining, particularly around crystal boundaries, natural fractures and the darker mineral sections.

These warm-toned areas provide an attractive contrast against the cooler green and blue-grey fluorite.

Viewed from the side, the specimen reveals a more compact, angular profile with additional translucent crystal sections and concentrated areas of orange-brown staining.

The reverse displays a lighter appearance, dominated by pale greenish-white and creamy crystalline formations.

Several angular surfaces and natural cleavage planes are visible, producing a geometric arrangement of overlapping mineral sections.

From another angle, the specimen reveals a projecting lower section and a more pronounced raised formation towards the top.

This creates an interesting sculptural silhouette, making the piece particularly attractive when displayed upright.

Under closer examination, the specimen displays a mixture of translucent fluorite, naturally fractured crystal faces, small interlocking formations and delicate mineral coatings.

The darker greenish-grey area reveals internal colour variations beneath a lighter crystalline surface, while neighbouring sections show subtle stepped and angular structures.

Fine orange-brown staining appears along several crystal boundaries, adding further geological character.

Measuring 62.3mm × 36.2mm and weighing 125g, this specimen offers an attractive combination of soft colouration, natural crystalline detail and historical locality interest.

Its unusual upright formation and contrasting crystal colours make it a lovely addition to a collection of British minerals or natural fluorite specimens.

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 recognised for its remarkable range of colours, including green, blue, purple, yellow, pink, brown and colourless varieties.

These variations may develop through trace impurities, structural defects and geological processes occurring during mineral formation.

Green fluorite can range from pale mint and sage-green to deeper olive and emerald-green tones, while blue-grey varieties may display subtle smoky or slate-coloured undertones.

Some specimens contain several colour variations within the same formation, particularly where different crystal growth zones or internal structures are present.

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

As these fluids cool or their chemical conditions change, dissolved minerals may crystallise along the walls of the openings.

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

One of fluorite's defining physical characteristics is its perfect octahedral cleavage.

This allows the mineral to separate along specific crystallographic planes, producing distinctive angular surfaces and naturally fractured formations.

Although fluorite commonly develops cubic crystals, its cleavage surfaces can create triangular and other geometric shapes when crystals are fractured.

Fluorite typically has a vitreous, or glass-like, lustre, although natural weathering, mineral coatings and surface alteration can produce softer, frosted appearances.

Some fluorite specimens exhibit fluorescence under ultraviolet light, although this varies considerably between individual specimens and mineral localities.

Ultraviolet fluorescence has not been confirmed for this particular piece.

Wheal Mary Ann & Cornish Mining Heritage

Wheal Mary Ann is a historic mineral locality situated near Menheniot in south-east Cornwall, England.

The Menheniot district forms part of Cornwall's extensive mining landscape and is particularly associated with historic lead and silver mining.

Although Cornwall is internationally recognised for its tin and copper deposits, the south-eastern part of the county also contains important lead-bearing mineral veins.

During the nineteenth century, mining operations around Menheniot extracted lead ores, particularly galena, which could also contain economically valuable silver.

The mineral veins of the district formed through hydrothermal geological processes, with mineral-rich fluids circulating through fractures in the surrounding rocks.

These fluids deposited a varied assemblage of minerals, including quartz, fluorite, galena, siderite, calcite and other associated species.

Wheal Mary Ann is of particular geological interest because historical geological studies document complex relationships between successive generations of mineral deposition.

The British Geological Survey's geological memoir covering Plymouth and South-East Cornwall records fluorite as an important gangue mineral at Wheal Mary Ann.

Gangue minerals occur alongside economically valuable ores but are not necessarily the principal materials being mined.

The memoir describes quartz as a significant vein-filling mineral, with chalcedonic material occurring along parts of the vein walls.

Crystalline quartz, galena and siderite are also documented within the mineral sequence.

Historical geological observations indicate that at least two generations of fluorite mineralisation occurred at Wheal Mary Ann.

This suggests that the mineral veins experienced multiple episodes of deposition under changing geological conditions.

Such processes can produce overlapping crystalline formations, variations in colour and complex mineral associations.

Fluorite from historic Cornish localities is particularly appealing to collectors interested in British mineralogy, geological history and the country's mining heritage.

This specimen offers an attractive example of fluorite attributed to Wheal Mary Ann, with its contrasting pale green and blue-grey sections, translucent crystalline surfaces and natural iron-coloured staining.

Intention & Associated Chakras

Within traditional crystal healing practices, fluorite is associated with mental clarity, concentration, emotional balance and calm.

Green fluorite is commonly connected with the Heart Chakra, symbolically representing compassion, emotional harmony and balance.

Blue and blue-grey fluorite varieties are sometimes associated with the Throat Chakra, traditionally connected with communication and self-expression.

Fluorite is also associated with the Third Eye Chakra, representing intuition, awareness and clear thinking.

• Calm: Traditionally associated with peaceful reflection, emotional balance and a settled mindset.
• Mental Clarity: Symbolically connected with clear thinking, understanding and mental organisation.
• Focus: Traditionally linked with concentration, learning and maintaining attention.
• Emotional Balance: Associated with harmony, thoughtful reflection and emotional awareness.
• Communication: Blue-toned fluorite is traditionally connected with clear expression and understanding.
• Intuition: Associated with awareness, perspective and personal insight.

Associated Chakras: Heart Chakra, Throat Chakra and Third Eye Chakra.

Primary Intention: Calm and mental clarity.

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

Natural Formation & Symbolism

This specimen retains its natural crystalline structure, irregular edges, exposed cleavage surfaces and areas of pale mineral coating.

Its contrasting greenish-grey and blue-grey sections create a layered appearance, with deeper translucent crystals visible beneath lighter formations.

The upright, asymmetrical shape gives the specimen a distinctive sculptural quality, while its angular surfaces and naturally fractured sections reveal the complex geometry of fluorite.

Rusty-orange staining provides a warm contrast against the cooler mineral colours, particularly around crystal boundaries and naturally altered surfaces.

Within traditional crystal symbolism, green fluorite is associated with emotional harmony and calm, while blue-toned fluorite is linked with communication and mental clarity.

The combination of these colours is often interpreted as representing balance between emotional understanding and clear expression.

Beyond these symbolic associations, the specimen's appeal lies in its unusual formation, natural crystalline textures and connection to Cornwall's historic mineral-producing landscape.

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: 125g
• Dimensions: 62.3mm × 36.2mm
• Formation: Natural fluorite specimen
• Colour: Pale sage-green, olive-green, blue-grey, cream and rusty-orange
• Features: Contrasting translucent fluorite sections, angular cleavage surfaces, interlocking crystals, natural mineral coatings, internal fractures and orange-brown staining
• 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, uneven surfaces, mineral staining and delicate crystalline formations.

The acrylic display support, 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.
   British Geological Survey Silver Mineral Dossier
3. Mindat – Wheal Mary Ann, Menheniot, Cornwall. Mineral locality database documenting fluorite and associated mineral species.
   Wheal Mary Ann Mineral Locality
4. University of Cambridge – Fluorite Mineral Collection. Mineralogical information concerning fluorite's chemical composition, 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.