British Fluorite Greenlaws Mine Weardale County Durham England Fluorite Mineral

Description

British Fluorite from Greenlaws Mine, Weardale, County Durham, England

 

This natural British Fluorite specimen from Greenlaws Mine in Weardale, County Durham, England is a classic example of fluorite from one of the most historically significant mineral districts in the United Kingdom. The specimen displays the distinctive cubic crystal form characteristic of fluorite and showcases the colour and clarity for which Weardale material is well known among collectors.

Fluorite from the Northern Pennine Orefield, particularly from the Weardale district, has long been valued for its well-formed crystals and attractive colour zoning. Specimens from Greenlaws Mine are appreciated for their crystalline structure and mineral associations typical of this famous locality.

The photographs included in this listing show the exact specimen you will receive, allowing collectors to carefully examine the crystal structure, colour, and overall form before 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.

Mineral Identification and Composition

 

Fluorite is a widely distributed mineral composed of calcium fluoride. It belongs to the halide mineral class and is known for its well-developed cubic crystal habit and wide range of colours.

Key mineralogical characteristics 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

• Crystal Habit: Cubic crystals, often forming clusters or intergrown crystal groups

 

Fluorite is commonly recognised by its perfect cubic cleavage and its ability to crystallise in symmetrical cubic forms.

Colour and Crystal Features

 

Fluorite is known for its remarkable colour diversity. Specimens from the Weardale district often display green, purple, or colour-zoned crystals depending on trace elements and geological conditions during formation.

Typical visual characteristics of Weardale fluorite include:

• Soft green to deep emerald hues

• Colour zoning within individual crystals

• Transparent to translucent crystal faces

• Smooth cubic crystal forms with reflective surfaces

 

The colouration in fluorite is generally caused by trace impurities or structural defects within the crystal lattice. Changes in environmental conditions during crystal growth can create zones of differing colour within the same crystal.

Under certain lighting conditions, some fluorite specimens may also display fluorescence due to the mineral’s interaction with ultraviolet light.

Geological Formation in the Northern Pennine Orefield

 

The Weardale region forms part of the Northern Pennine Orefield, one of the most historically important mineral districts in Britain. This area contains numerous hydrothermal mineral veins that formed when mineral-rich fluids moved through fractures within the surrounding limestone and sandstone rocks.

During these hydrothermal processes, dissolved minerals crystallised within open cavities and fractures, forming a wide range of mineral species including fluorite, galena, sphalerite, and quartz.

Fluorite crystals developed when calcium-rich fluids interacted with fluorine-bearing solutions, allowing calcium fluoride to crystallise within the mineral veins.

These geological processes produced the well-formed fluorite crystals for which Weardale is internationally recognised.

Greenlaws Mine Locality

 

Greenlaws Mine is one of several historic mining sites located within the Weardale valley in County Durham. The area is well known among mineral collectors due to the quality and variety of mineral specimens found in its veins.

Minerals commonly associated with Greenlaws Mine include:

• Fluorite

• Galena

• Sphalerite

• Calcite

• Quartz

• Baryte

 

Specimens from this locality are often preserved in private collections due to their classic crystal forms and their importance within British mineralogy.

Mineral Collecting and Display

 

British fluorite specimens from Weardale are highly regarded by collectors of classic mineral localities. The combination of well-formed cubic crystals and distinctive colour zoning makes them a desirable addition to mineral collections.

This specimen may be suitable for:

• British mineral collections

• Fluorite mineral displays

• Geological specimen cabinets

• Educational mineral collections

• Collector shelves and display cases

 

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

Authentic Natural Mineral Specimen

 

This British Fluorite specimen from Greenlaws Mine, Weardale, County Durham, England is a genuine natural mineral specimen selected for its crystal structure and locality significance.

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

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