This is definitely a collector's gem. Fluorite is a very soft mineral; the Mohs hardness is only 4. Because it is so soft, faceting fluorite is a true "tour de force." It is very difficult to obtain a fine polish on facets, and facet junctions on cut fluorites tend to be rounded rather than sharp. Fluorite comes in a variety of colors including beautiful purples, yellows, greens, pinks, and blues. Fluorite is almost never set in jewelry because it would easily scratch or fracture. If you know a masochistic metalsmith, you might induce them to attempt to set a faceted fluorite. If successful, the finished piece would definitely be a unique creation. For the less venturesome, this gem would look great sitting in your cabinet with other rare gemstones. Fluorite crystals are normally heavily included. The above gem does contain eye-visible inclusions, but this is still a beautiful stone.

Return to inventory list