{"product_id":"smoky-grey-blue-fluorite-wheal-mary-ann-menheniot-cornwall","title":"Smoky Grey \u0026 Blue Fluorite | Wheal Mary Ann, Menheniot, Cornwall","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking natural \u003cstrong\u003esmoky grey and blue fluorite specimen from Wheal Mary Ann, Menheniot, Cornwall\u003c\/strong\u003e, displaying beautiful slate-blue crystalline sections, translucent smoky-grey fluorite and contrasting pale honey-coloured mineral growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWeighing 90g, this distinctive Cornish mineral specimen features intricate angular crystal formations, naturally fractured surfaces, delicate rusty-orange staining and small flashes of rainbow iridescence visible within its crystalline structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful fluorite specimen showcases an unusual combination of \u003cstrong\u003esmoky grey, slate blue, pale blue-grey, honey yellow and creamy-white\u003c\/strong\u003e colouring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe most prominent feature is the substantial smoky-grey and blue-grey crystalline area extending across the specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese darker sections display varying degrees of translucency, with overlapping crystal faces creating subtle changes in colour and depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome areas appear almost charcoal-grey, while others reveal softer slate-blue tones when viewed under different lighting conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAcross the specimen, naturally fractured crystal faces form an intricate arrangement of angular surfaces, stepped formations and reflective cleavage planes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe close-up photographs reveal particularly attractive internal structures, including delicate translucent layers and small areas of rainbow iridescence along internal fractures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese colourful flashes are consistent with light interacting with fine fractures within the mineral, creating subtle optical effects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe darker fluorite contrasts with paler crystalline sections around the edges and underside of the specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese lighter areas range from creamy white to translucent champagne and soft honey-yellow, adding warmth to the predominantly cool-toned mineral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSmall patches of rusty-orange and golden-brown staining are visible along some fractures and crystal boundaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSuch colouring is consistent with natural iron-bearing mineral staining, although the exact composition has not been independently tested.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen has an irregular, slightly triangular natural formation, with a broad crystalline face tapering towards one end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts combination of darker translucent fluorite, lighter mineral growth and complex crystal textures creates an attractive contrast from every angle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeasuring \u003cstrong\u003e41.6mm × 53.3mm and weighing 90g\u003c\/strong\u003e, this specimen is an appealing example of fluorite attributed to the historic Wheal Mary Ann mineral 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 particularly admired for its remarkable variety of natural colours, which include purple, green, blue, 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 crystal formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlue and grey fluorite may display delicate smoky, slate-coloured or translucent tones, sometimes appearing different depending on the angle and intensity of the light.\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 pressure and chemistry, dissolved minerals can crystallise within the available spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite is frequently associated with quartz, calcite, baryte, galena, siderite and other minerals found within hydrothermal deposits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of its defining physical characteristics is its \u003cstrong\u003eperfect octahedral cleavage\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis means fluorite can separate along particular crystallographic planes, creating distinctive angular surfaces and geometric formations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese cleavage surfaces are especially noticeable in natural specimens displaying overlapping crystalline sections and internal fractures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite also exhibits a vitreous, or glass-like, lustre, although naturally weathered and fractured surfaces may appear frosted or textured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome fluorite specimens display fluorescence under ultraviolet light, but this characteristic varies considerably between specimens and localities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUV fluorescence has not been confirmed for this individual specimen.\u003c\/strong\u003e\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\u003eWhile 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 deposits formed 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 other 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\u003eThe memoir describes quartz as a significant vein-filling mineral, with crystalline quartz, galena and siderite 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 mineral deposition under changing geological conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSuch processes can produce complex mineral associations, overlapping crystal formations and variations in mineral growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite from historic Cornish mining 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, combining smoky-grey and blue-grey crystalline sections with contrasting pale mineral growth and intricate natural textures.\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, focus, emotional balance and personal growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlue fluorite is traditionally linked with the \u003cstrong\u003eThroat Chakra\u003c\/strong\u003e, symbolising communication, self-expression and clear understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGrey fluorite is sometimes associated with grounding, stability and balanced thinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFluorite is also commonly connected with the \u003cstrong\u003eThird Eye Chakra\u003c\/strong\u003e, representing intuition, insight and mental clarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMental Clarity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditionally associated with clear thinking and understanding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommunication:\u003c\/strong\u003e Symbolically connected with self-expression and honest communication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFocus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Associated with concentration and mental organisation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrounding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditionally linked with stability and emotional balance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalm:\u003c\/strong\u003e Symbolically connected with peaceful reflection and a balanced outlook.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePersonal Growth:\u003c\/strong\u003e Associated with learning, understanding and positive change.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssociated Chakras:\u003c\/strong\u003e Throat Chakra and Third Eye Chakra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Intention:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mental clarity, communication and grounding.\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 formation, displaying an irregular shape with overlapping fluorite sections and contrasting colour zones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe smoky-grey and slate-blue areas create a striking visual contrast against the warmer honey-yellow and creamy-white mineral growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAngular crystal boundaries and natural cleavage planes reveal the mineral's distinctive internal structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSmall areas of rusty-orange staining add further visual interest, emphasising the specimen's natural geological character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe close-up photographs reveal delicate internal fractures and small flashes of rainbow iridescence within the crystalline material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome surfaces exhibit a smooth, glass-like lustre, while others display a more textured or naturally frosted appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWithin traditional crystal symbolism, blue fluorite is associated with communication and understanding, while grey fluorite represents grounding and stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond these symbolic associations, the specimen's principal appeal lies in its contrasting natural colours, 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 90g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 41.6mm × 53.3mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural fluorite specimen with associated crystalline material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoky grey, slate blue, pale blue-grey, creamy white and honey yellow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Translucent fluorite, angular crystal formations, internal fractures, rainbow iridescence, natural mineral staining and reflective cleavage surfaces\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\u003eUV Reactive:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not confirmed\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":59286837887311,"sku":"F20","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1028\/1238\/5615\/files\/download_7130a8eb-0731-4c79-a55d-e630f2252594.png?v=1793131446","url":"https:\/\/harposangels.co.uk\/products\/smoky-grey-blue-fluorite-wheal-mary-ann-menheniot-cornwall","provider":"Harpo's Angels","version":"1.0","type":"link"}