British Fluorite Boltsburn Mine Rookhope County Durham England Fluorite Mineral Specimen UK Classic Locality Crystal

Description

British Fluorite from Boltsburn Mine, Rookhope, County Durham, England

 

This natural British Fluorite specimen from Boltsburn Mine, Rookhope, County Durham, England represents material from one of the most celebrated classic mineral localities in the United Kingdom. Boltsburn Mine is internationally recognised among mineral collectors for producing high-quality fluorite crystals with distinctive colouration and well-formed cubic crystal structures.

The specimen offered here is a carefully selected natural mineral specimen, with photographs showing the exact crystal you will receive. The images provide a clear view of the structure, crystal form, and overall appearance so collectors can examine the specimen in detail prior to purchase.

This crystal is a genuine specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card.

Please refer to the listing photographs for full sizing and scale, as measurements are best assessed visually in the images provided.

Mineral Identification and Crystal Structure

 

Fluorite is a halide mineral composed of calcium fluoride and is one of the most recognisable minerals due to its characteristic cubic crystal structure. It crystallises in the isometric system and frequently forms well-developed cubes, octahedra, or combinations of both.

Mineralogical details include:

• Mineral Name: Fluorite

• Chemical Formula: CaF₂ (Calcium Fluoride)

• Mineral Class: Halide

• Crystal System: Cubic (Isometric)

• Hardness: 4 on the Mohs scale

• Lustre: Vitreous

• Transparency: Transparent to translucent

• Cleavage: Perfect octahedral cleavage

• Crystal Habit: Cubic crystals, clusters, or intergrown formations

 

Fluorite is widely appreciated by mineral collectors for its geometric crystal forms and its broad range of colours, which may include green, purple, blue, yellow, or colour-zoned combinations.

Colour and Optical Characteristics

 

Fluorite from the Northern Pennine Orefield, particularly from Boltsburn Mine, is often known for rich colour saturation and striking crystal clarity. The colour in fluorite is produced by trace elements and structural imperfections within the crystal lattice during growth.

Common visual characteristics of Boltsburn fluorite include:

• Vibrant green to purple colouration

• Colour zoning within individual cubic crystals

• Transparent to translucent crystal faces

• Smooth, reflective crystal surfaces

 

Some fluorite specimens may display fluorescence under ultraviolet light due to interactions between ultraviolet radiation and trace elements within the crystal structure.

These optical features make fluorite a popular mineral for collectors, display specimens, and educational mineral collections.

Geological Formation in the Northern Pennine Orefield

 

Boltsburn Mine lies within the Northern Pennine Orefield, a major mineralised region formed through hydrothermal processes. Mineral-rich fluids circulated through fractures and faults within the surrounding Carboniferous limestone and sandstone formations.

As these heated fluids cooled, dissolved elements crystallised within open spaces in the rock, forming mineral veins rich in a variety of species. Fluorite formed when calcium and fluorine combined within these hydrothermal systems, producing well-formed crystals along vein walls and cavities.

The Northern Pennine Orefield is known for producing high-quality mineral specimens that formed within these hydrothermal veins over millions of years.

Boltsburn Mine Locality

 

Boltsburn Mine, located near the village of Rookhope in County Durham, is regarded as one of the most famous fluorite-producing mines in Britain. The locality is especially prized among collectors for its colourful fluorite crystals and classic mineral associations.

Minerals commonly associated with Boltsburn fluorite include:

• Galena (lead sulphide)

• Sphalerite (zinc sulphide)

• Quartz

• Calcite

• Baryte

 

Specimens from this locality are widely collected due to their historical significance and their well-developed crystal forms.

Collecting and Display

 

British fluorite specimens from Boltsburn Mine are considered classic examples of Northern Pennine mineralisation and are sought after by collectors of UK mineral localities.

This specimen may be suitable for:

• British mineral locality collections

• Fluorite mineral displays

• Geological specimen cabinets

• Educational mineral study collections

• Collector display shelves

 

In some traditions, fluorite is traditionally associated with symbolic or spiritual interpretations, though these perspectives are cultural beliefs rather than scientific explanations.

Authentic Natural Mineral Specimen

 

This British Fluorite specimen from Boltsburn Mine, Rookhope, County Durham, England is a genuine natural mineral carefully chosen for its geological interest and collector appeal.

The specimen includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming the authenticity of the mineral.

Please review the photographs carefully for full sizing and scale, as the images clearly show the exact specimen you will receive.