Fluorite with Celestine, Calcite

specimen number:
2013547

location:
White Rock Quarry, Clay Center, Ohio, USA

description:
Very attractive lustrous beautifully iridescent cubic crystals of fluorite measuring to 1.1 cm on edge across the top of matrix with Celestine and calcite. In good condition with very minimal micro-cleaving present. These iridescent fluorite specimens from this Ohio locality are really quite rare and rarely seen available.

The iridescence seen on fluorite from the White Rock Quarry in Ohio is usually caused by thin surface films formed by natural weathering or chemical alteration. These very thin layers on the crystal surface cause light to interfere as it reflects from the layers, producing rainbow like colors. The effect is similar to the colors seen on oil films on water. The iridescence forms after the fluorite crystals are exposed to circulating groundwater or air in the quarry environment.

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