Raw Green Fluorite Crystal Value Guide

Raw Green Fluorite is a highly collectible mineral prized for its translucent emerald-to-mint hues and its historical significance as a metallurgical flux. These natural, uncut specimens represent a geological legacy spanning from ancient Egyptian carvings to 18th-century decorative arts.

What affects the value of Raw Green Fluorite Crystal?

• Color saturation and clarity, with deep, consistent green hues commanding the top of the $10-$12 price range.
• The presence of well-defined natural crystal faces rather than irregular, mass-produced chunks.
• Size and weight of the specimen, as larger uncut pieces from notable origins like Brazil or Madagascar hold better value.
• Overall structural integrity, specifically the lack of significant bruising or external fractures on the crystal edges.

How to Identify Raw Green Fluorite Crystal?

• Look for the characteristic isometric crystal system, often manifesting as distinct cubic or octahedral shapes even in raw form.
• Test for a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, which means it can be scratched by a steel knife but not by a copper penny.
• Check for strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light, a property so definitive it was named after this specific mineral.
• Observe the vitreous luster and the presence of internal cleavage planes that create a 'shattered glass' appearance within the translucent green.

History of Raw Green Fluorite Crystal

Fluorite, known for its wide range of vibrant colors, has been admired for centuries. Its name comes from the Latin word 'fluere', meaning 'to flow', referring to its use as a flux in metallurgy. Ancient Egyptians carved fluorite into scarabs and statues, while the Chinese have used it for carving for over 300 years. During the 18th century, a unique blue-violet variety from Derbyshire, England, called 'Blue John' fluorite, was highly prized for decorative objects. Today, fluorite is valued by collectors for its stunning crystalline forms and diverse color palette.