| Fluorite forms in cubes and octahedra, and easily twins. It was used
in jewelry by ancient Egyptians and for carving vases by ancient Greeks
and Romans. Fluorite is a common mineral and is found in huge quantities.
It is used commercially as a raw material for glass, chemical, and nuclear
industries. Fine pink crystals are rarest and therefore are most collectable.
The best pink crystals are found in the Swiss and French Alps.
Fluorite was well known to the ancient Romans. After
conquering Matolia and Pontus about 40 BC, Pompey returned to Rome proudly
displaying his booty, which included six 'murrhine' cups (a stone variously
believed to be feldspar, fluorite or jade). |
