Happy Fluorite Friday

Happy Fluorite Friday The Milpo mine in Peru is known for producing large, translucent, and vividly colored fluorite crystals, specifically a bright green variety. These crystals are notable for their size (up to 2.2 cm on edge), clarity, and vibrant color, often showing stacked growth patterns and brilliant surfaces. Some Milpo fluorites are also known to be fluorescent under ultraviolet light. Here’s a more detailed look at their properties: Key Features: Color: The fluorite from Milpo is particularly known for its vibrant green color, often described as emerald green. Clarity: The crystals are translucent and often show excellent clarity, especially when backlit. Size: They are considered large for fluorite specimens, with some reaching up to 2.2 cm on edge. Growth Patterns: They exhibit beautiful stacked growth patterns on their crystal faces, creating a visually appealing texture and catching the light. Associated Minerals: Milpo fluorite is often found associated with pyrite, sphalerite, and calcite. Fluorescence: Like other fluorite specimens, Milpo fluorite is known to fluoresce (glow) under ultraviolet light, a characteristic that was actually used to define the term “fluorescence”. Additional Information: The Milpo mine is located in Atacocha, Pasco Province, Peru. The bright green color is believed to be due to the presence of uranium in the fluorite. These specimens are highly sought after by collectors due to their unique characteristics and beauty. The fluorite from Milpo is also considered to be a good example of a gem-quality crystal due to its clarity and color.