Fluorite and Galena Mineral Specimen

FLUORITE

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Fluorite was used as a metallurgical flux as early as 500 B.C.  Its name stems from the Latin fluere, meaning “to flow,” alluding to its ability to reduce the melting temperature of metals in smelting processes.  Notable sources are China, Russia, England, Mexico, Canada, Peru, and the United States (Kentucky, Illinois, Colorado, Oklahoma).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Fluorite [calcium fluoride, CaF₂], pronounced FLOR-ite, crystallizes in the cubic system as well-formed, often-twinned cubes and less often as octahedrons; it also occurs in massive, granular, and botryoidal forms.  It has a Mohs hardness of 4.0, perfect cleavage in four directions to form octahedrons, a specific gravity of 3.0-3.2, and is transparent to translucent.  Pure fluorite is colorless or white, but impurities impart a wide range of pastel colors, notably purples and greens.  Fluorite occurs in several mineralogical environments, including epithermal veins, hydrothermal replacement deposits, carbonatites, granite pegmatites, and contact metamorphic rocks

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Medieval physicians prescribed powdered fluorite to treat kidney disease and arthritic pain.  Modern metaphysical practitioners use fluorite to calm the spirit and mind to prepare for meditation, increase objectivity and concentration, and clarify the decision-making process.  Fluorite is mined extensively as the primary source of fluorine and also serves as a metallurgical flux.  Massive fluorite is carved into decorative objects.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Fluorite is widely collected for its perfect cubic-crystal development, large crystal size, wide range of colors, and interesting and attractive mineralogical associations in composite specimens.

GALENA

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Galena has been known since antiquity and has always been the most important source of lead.  Its name is derived from the Latin galena, the Roman term for both lead ore and the impurities that float on the surface of smelted lead.  Galena is found worldwide with major occurrences in Peru, Mexico, Bolivia, Russia, China, and the United States (Missouri, Colorado, Idaho).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE:  Galena [lead sulfide, PbS], pronounced gah-LEE-na, is the most abundant lead-containing mineral.  It crystallizes in the cubic (isometric) system as clusters of lead-gray cubes or modified cubes with a distinct metallic luster.  It has a Mohs hardness of 2.5, perfect cleavage in three directions, and a very high specific gravity of 7.4-7.6.  It occurs primarily in hydrothermal vein and replacement deposits in association with such minerals as quartz, sphalerite, and pyrite.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Romans mined galena to provide lead for elaborate plumbing and water-supply systems.  As the first semi-conducting material ever used, galena was the crystal in early “crystal-set” radio receivers.  Galena is the official state mineral of Missouri and Wisconsin.  According to modern metaphysical belief, galena is a grounding stone that aligns energies, stimulates smooth interaction with others, and opens pathways between physical and ethereal bodies.  As the primary source of lead, galena is mined extensively.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Galena is widely collected for its perfection of cubic crystal form and interesting composite associations with such minerals as quartz, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite.