MINERAL OF THE MONTH
May 2007: Rainbow Fluorite
 Rainbow Fluorite |
 Agate Window Panel that includes some Rainbow Fluorite |
This month the featured mineral is Rainbow Fluorite. Fluorite is a derivative of the Latin word “fluere” which means to flow. Because of its easy melting properties, fluorite can be used during the manufacturing of steel; although its most popular use is in making jewelry. This is because fluorite is the most colorful mineral of the world and often displays distinct banded color, such as in this month’s featured mineral specimen. Fluorite can be purple, green, yellow, brown, pink, reddish-orange, and even colorless. It is a soft stone with a glassy luster and translucent. It is second only to quartz minerals in popularity. Fluorite is found worldwide, but especially in Brazil, Canada, China, England, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Norway, Russia, Argentina, Switzerland, and the USA.
At the Tucson show in February, I purchased a flat of Rainbow Fluorite slabs. A few pieces were used in the agate window pictured on this page. This particular window was sold at the Escanaba show. More will be used to make a lamp and other products. The slabs are considerably more expensive than agate, but well worth the price.
Some say that fluorite improves self-esteem, reduces stress, stimulates the imagination, and protects against illness. Others claim it has a calming energy that facilitates order and improves balance.
Mineral of the Month Archives
May 2007 Rainbow Fluorite
June 2007 Lake Superior Michipicoten Agate
July 2007 Labadorite
August 2007 Rain Flower Agate
Fall 2007 Malachite
December 2007 Nepheline Syenite
January 2008 Native Copper
February 2008 Amazonite
March 2008 Lake Superior Agate
April 2008 Shadow Agate
May 2008 Apohpylite
June 2008 Ocean Jasper
Summer 2008 Marra Mamba Tiger's Eye
September 2008 Mohawkite
October 2008 Mexican opal
November 2008 Prehnite
December 2008 Picture Jasper
January 2009 Sea Shell Jasper
February 2009 Polychrome Jasper
March 2009 Selenite Desert Rose
Spring 2009 Coyamito Agate
July 2009 Obsidian Needles
August 2009 Goethite
September 2009 Banded Iron Formation
Fall 2009 Fairburn Agate
February 2010 Kentucky Agate
March 2010 Fossilized Dinosaur Bone
April/May 2010 Kentucky Agate
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Gitche Gumee Museum.
E21739 Brazel Street
Grand Marais, Michigan 49839
