Green Fluorite from Riemvasmaak
South Africa, World Minerals

Fluorite – Riemvasmaak

Green Fluorite from Riemvasmaak, South Africa

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    One look at this and many people will know it’s from Riemvasmaak, South Africa because nowhere else in the world will you find gemmy, excellent green octahedral fluorite specimens like these.

    This specimen is saturated, transparent, and has sharp edges and terminations with only two of the terminations on the larger crystal having small nibbles.

    Riemvasmaak fluorite is mined in the 1.3 billion year old Namaqua-Natal Metamorphic Province. There are three zones in the province, however, fluorite is only found in the Kakamas zone, which surrounds the Orange River in northwest Northern Cape Province. Fluorite is found in some of the abundant small pegmatites and countless quartz veins in this area. The most sought-after fluorites from this area are the fluorite & quartz combo pieces.

    I acquired this specimen from Tony at Mineral Store at the June 2017 Bankstown Gem and Mineral Show.

    Specimen Details

    Chemical Formula: CaF2

    ID #: JG0170

    Colour: Emerald green

    Hardness: 4

    Acquisition Date: 03/06/2017

    Crystal System: Octahedral

    Lustre: Satin

    Dimensions: 70mm x 50mm x 41mm

    Weight: 105g

    Location: Riemvasmaak fluorite occurrences, Kakamas District, Northern Cape Province, South Africa

    Rarity of Mineral

    Rare

    Did you know!?
    The cause of the beautiful green colour is unknown, it may be related to associated radioactive or rare-earth species.