Mesmerizing Rainbow Beauty of Opalized Fluorite Crystals

The Mesmerizing Beauty of Opalized Fluorite

Opalized fluorite, sometimes referred to by the hashtag #sagenitefluorite, is a breathtakingly beautiful type of mineral specimen treasured by rock hounds and crystal healers alike. With its vivid rainbow sheens and delicate banding, opalized fluorite captivates the imagination in a way few other stones can.

What Is Opalized Fluorite?

Opalized fluorite forms when common fluorite undergoes a fascinating transformation. Fluorite is a highly collectible mineral frequently cut into amazing freeform shapes to showcase its lovely purple hues and cubic crystal structure. But when fluorite comes into contact with water enriched with silica, a chemical reaction occurs. The silica permeates the crystal lattice of the fluorite, replacing fluorine atoms with silicon atoms one by one. As this process advances, the transparency and fluorescence of the fluorite becomes lost. But something even more magical emerges in its place - the rainbow sheen of precious opal!

Where Opalized Fluorite Is Found

Deposits of fine quality opalized fluorite have been discovered in several places across the globe. Much of it originates from Mexico, where it forms in vugs and geodes inside rhyolite rock. Beautiful specimens have also been unearthed in the Blue Forest of China and in the state of Maharashtra in India. But perhaps the most famous source is the Thomas Range in juicy Utah, USA. The Thomas Range produces unbelievable plume agates and opalized fossil specimens, so finding precious opal replacing fluorite here is like discovering treasure within treasure!

The Allure of Opalized Fluorite

What is it that makes opalized fluorite so irresistible to rock hounds? For starters, the interplay of colors is simply breathtaking. The signature purples of fluorite mesh gorgeously with opal's green, blue, orange and fiery red flashes. Smooth curved bands ripple across the form, interrupted by crystal vugs glittering with rainbow sparks.

Another appealing trait of opalized fluorite is its tendency to produce amazing patterns inside the stone. Fern-like plumes, angular cubic designs, and mossy arborescent growths materialize as the replacement process spreads. Stones displaying these wonderous formations are greatly valued. Vista domes that expose the designs are expertly carved into natural freeform and cabochon shapes.

Lastly, no other mineral handles light quite like opal. Turn an opalized fluorite in your hand, and different flecks will wink on and off as if by magic. These ever-changing fireworks contribute to opalized fluorite's mystique and popularity among collectors.

Working with Opalized Fluorite Crystals

Dazzling opalized fluorite isn't just nice to look at. It also possesses powerful healing properties making it an ally for energy work and crystal grids. Let's examine some of the top ways to harness the force of opalized fluorite.

Meditation

One of the best uses for opalized fluorite is in meditation. Its flashing colors ignite creative visualization, opening the mind's eye to vivid inner sight. Gazing into an opalized fluorite while meditating also promotes a relaxed alpha brain wave state, reducing stress and anxiety. Place an opalized fluorite specimen anywhere in your meditation space to enjoy these benefits.

Body Chakra Healing

In chakra work, opalized fluorite bolsters the third eye and crown chakras, seats of intuition and spirituality. An opalized fluorite placed on the brow strengthens psychic gifts and boosts astral travel. At the crown it inspires divine wisdom and selfless compassion for others.

Opalized fluorite additionally purifies and heals the other chakras. Its rainbow flash brings deficient chakras into alignment and harmony. Use an opalized fluorite wand to scan damaged chakras, then leave appropriate fluorite shapes on problem areas overnight.

Crystal Grids

With its superb enhancement qualities, opalized fluorite works wonders in crystal grids designed to manifest goals. Freeform fluorite and tumbled stones empower intention grids that focus the mind on what you wish to create. Carved hearts, massage wands and eggs lend themselves beautifully to self love grids, infusing your energy field with positive vibes.

To activate fluorite's maximum potential in grids, combine it with spirit quartz, selenite and mugigama wood. Not only will this amplify fluorite's influence, it results in utterly spellbinding grid designs!

Jewelry and Decor

Natural beauty radiates from opalized fluorite, making it an obvious choice for one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and home decor items. Gorgeous fluorite cabochons set in sterling display pendants and rings bring dazzling rainbows to your personal style. Larger specimens, like carved hearts, bowls, spheres and clusters, enliven any room as mineral décor.

Why Opalized Fluorite Captivates Us

What accounts for fluorite opal's incredible popularity in the world of unique minerals? There are many contributing factors.

Certainly much fascination stems from the strange mineral chemistry that produces it. The fact that plain purple fluorite transforms into a rainbow phenom through natural processes intrigues even seasoned geologists.

Its optical effects also astound. Opalized fluorite boasts a phenomenal play-of-color unmatched by other opal types like fire opal and boulder opal. Even precious black opal doesn't display such vibrant flashes spanning the entire spectrum.

We're also entranced by fluorite opal's organic patterning. Where else but in nature can such beautiful branching designs, mossy landscapes and plume shapes develop inside a stone? It's enough to make anyone swoon!

But above all, I believe opalized fluorite seizes our imagination because owning it makes us part of its incredible story. We stand awestruck at fluorite transforming into opal, a drama spanning 20 million years in the making. Holding such an improbable marvel formed against all odds is both humbling and magical. Of all #purplerocks, none intrigue quite like opalized fluorite.

FAQs

How does opalized fluorite form?

Opalized fluorite forms when common purple fluorite comes into contact with hot silica-rich water. The water permeates the fluorite, replacing fluorine atoms with silicon atoms in a process called opalization. This transforms the fluorite into precious opal over time while retaining fluorite's crystal shape.

Where can I find opalized fluorite?

Major deposits of quality opalized fluorite have been found in Mexico, China, India and Utah, USA. The Thomas Range in Utah is an especially abundant source, producing stunning plume agates and opalized fossils along with fluorite.

Why is opalized fluorite so valuable?

Opalized fluorite is very scarce relative to common fluorite. It also displays an incredible play-of-color unlike any other opal variety. Natural branch-like designs, fern patterns and mossy inclusions inside the stone also make fluorite opal highly prized by collectors and museums.

How should I display my opalized fluorite?

Fluorite opal makes gorgeous wire-wrapped pendants, ring stones, and one-of-a-kind carvings. Display pieces like hearts, spheres, bookends, bowls etc. show off color flashes and inner crystal designs beautifully. Rotate crystals periodically so different sides catch the light.