ORIGIN: Murmansk, Russia. Cut in Yekaterinburg, Siberia, Russia.

SIZE: Length: 10mm. Width: 8 1/4mm. Depth: 5mm. All measurements approximate.

WEIGHT: 2.96 carats.

NOTES: Upon request we can set your gemstone as a ring, pendant, or earrings .

DETAIL: Most everyone is familiar with fluoride used in many countries in drinking water as a preventative measure to combat tooth decay. It has also been useful to orthopedic specialists in the treatment of bone disease and in preventing and reversing damage to RNA and DNA. And who has not heard of fluorescent lighting or fluorescent ("glow in the dark") toys and light wands? Fewer will know that fluorite has also been used since ancient times as a flux to aid in the smelting of metals. But who would guess that fluorite was popular for use in gemstones and gemstone carvings in ancient Egypt where it was used in the production of scarab amulets? That Pliny the Elder described the use of fluorite as a gemstone in first-century Rome, describing as well its magical and medicinal uses? Even through Renaissance and Victorian Europe colorful fluoride gemstones were very popular in their regal purple varieties; as well as a very famous and now frightfully rare banded purple and yellow variety from England!

This particular gemstone originated from the region of Murmansk in Northern Russia, and was cut in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in the Ural Mountains of Siberia. From straight on the color is a very handsome teal green. But the color immediately shifts to a bright "mint julep" green as soon as the gemstone is observed from any angle other than straight on. Fluorite is valued for its color, and while the better grade gemstones are transparent, as is this gemstone, they nonetheless typically possess blemishes. This gemstone is rather the exception to the rule, as to the eye, even upon close scrutiny, there are no blemishes discernible. There are large deposits of fluorite in Siberia and Northwest Russia and it has often been used in the jewelry produced for Russia's babushkas (grandmothers). Siberian fluorite is very popular and has been for centuries. However the more famous and costly fluorite used in the jewelry of the Czar's was that which originated in Bavaria or another famous variety from England.

This gemstone looks very much like Siberian emerald or green amethyst. It is colored a rather light mint green, with just a very slight suggestion of teal green undertones. It rather depends upon the light source and intensity, as under bright light it is definitely a very sparkly mint green, unless viewed head on in which case the teal green predominates. However in dim lighting, the mood changes a little, and there again the teal green undertones are more pronounced. This gemstone possesses superb luster and sparkle, and to the eye is completely transparent, but it is not absolutely flawless. True, the blemishes it possesses are not visible to the naked eye, and the gemstone can be characterized at a minimum, to use trade jargon, as "eye clean". To the eye it is indeed flawless; however magnified 500%, as it is here, you might be able to just barely pick out one or two slight blemishes within the gemstone, barely perceptible even at such high magnification. Of course the same may said about almost any natural gemstone. An absolutely flawless gemstone simply is not the rule in nature. Most absolutely flawless gemstones will upon close examination be revealed to be synthetic.

HISTORY: The ancient Egyptians were probably the first to use fluorite as a gemstone, both in the carving of statues as well as in the production of scarab amulets. The ancient Chinese also employed fluorite for gemstone carvings. There are many mentions of fluorite in ancient Roman texts. Pliny the Elder, the ancient Roman naturalist of Greek origin wrote of fluorite in 77 A.D. in his encyclopedia of natural history. Pliny describes fluorite as one of the world's most precious gemstones, and describes its healing and magical properties. In the ancient world many believed that fluorite was crystallized light, and as such, could bring light into the brain (enlightenment).

Ancient Roman sources also relate other mentions of fluorite, including a valuable vase taken by the Roman Emperor Augustus from the pharaoh's palace in Alexandria, Egypt. Roman sources also include an earlier incident where Julius Caesars's predecessor "Pompey the Great" took 6 fluorite vases from Mithridates' treasure and installed them in the temple of Jupiter. There are also descriptions in roman literature attesting to the "fact" that drinking alcoholic beverages from vessels carved of fluorite kept the drinker from getting drunk. Recently archaeologists have uncovered artifacts of carved fluorite were found in the ruins of Pompeii.

The name fluorite is derived from the Latin "fluo" or "fluere", meaning "to flow", in reference to its industrial use as flux in the smelting of metallic ores. Some of the more significant sources of fluorite in the ancient world included mines in (Oberpfalz) Bavaria, Bohemia, present day Hungary, Switzerland, Russia, and some very popular and valuable multi-colored banded deposits in Castledon, Derbyshire, England where Derbyshire Blue John, beautiful purple-blue and yellow fluorite was used for ornamental purposes, up until the nineteenth century when the deposits were exhausted. The name "Blue John" derives from french "bleu et jaune" (blue and yellow) characterizing its color. It is now scarce, and only a few hundred kilograms are mined each year for use in jewelry production.

Fluorite is a mineral with a veritable bouquet of brilliant colors ranging from purple and blue through green, yellow, pink and reddish orange, and deserves its reputation as "the most colorful mineral in the world. It is also prized for its glassy luster. Most specimens of fluorite have a single color, but a significant percentage of fluorites have multiple colors and the colors are arranged in bands or zones that correspond to the shapes of fluorite's crystals. To top it all off, fluorite is frequently fluorescent, phosphorescent, and even luminescent (will change color when warmed). In fact the term "fluorescent" as in fluorescent light tubes is derived from the name "fluorite".

In the eighteenth century, fluorite was powdered in water to relieve the symptoms of kidney disease. Fluorite is used on the body as well, in the treatment of bones, teeth (the source of fluoridation in drinking water) and cell structure. It also has been used to assist in the prevention and repair of RNA and DNA damage. Spiritualists purport that it helps eliminate the discord that causes infection and disease. This mineral's energy is purported to help the evolution of harmonious, peaceful and organized spiritual growth. It has been said to help clear the mind and heighten mental achievement while increasing the ability to concentrate. Also, that it helps one to see the truth behind illusion.

SHIPPING OPTIONS: All purchases are backed by an unlimited guarantee of satisfaction and authenticity. If for any reason you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase, you may return it for a complete and immediate refund of your entire purchase price. Most of these antique gemstones were originally part of two collections, one originating in India principally composed of gemstones originally mined in India, Burma, Ceylon, and Siam, and then hand faceted in India. The addition of a second accumulation of antique gemstones originally mined in the Urals in the mid to late 19th century (including alexandrite) completed the collection. These gemstones as well were hand finished. The Urals have been one of the world's major sources of precious and semi-precious gemstones for many centuries. As well, additional specimens are occasionally acquired from other institutions and dealers in Eastern Europe and Asia. These antique gemstones are now in the United States and are available for immediate delivery.

We ship inventory from the USA order fulfillment center near Seattle, Washington. Your purchase will ordinarily be shipping within 48 hours of payment. A certificate of authenticity is available upon request. We prefer your personal check or money order over any other form of payment - and we will ship immediately upon receipt of your check (no "holds"). We will accept PayPal payments. Please see our "ADDITIONAL TERMS OF SALE".