Fluorite on quartz - l'Avellan, Var |Ref. 532

This piece combines beautiful fluorite crystals resting on a quartz base, sourced from the well-known Avellan deposit in the Var region of France. The fluorite stands out for its clear crystallization and nuanced color, contrasting with the translucent brilliance of the quartz.

Fluorite, also known as fluorite, is composed of calcium fluoride (CaF₂). It crystallizes in the cubic system and generally has a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale. Quartz, on the other hand, is silicon dioxide (SiO₂) crystallizing in the trigonal system, with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. This combination perfectly illustrates the complementarity of two iconic minerals.

The Avellan deposit, located near Fréjus in the Estérel massif, is a former mine where various minerals were extracted, including lead and fluorite. Now closed, it remains known to enthusiasts for the beauty of the minerals discovered there, particularly the combinations of fluorite and quartz sought after by collectors.

Specimens from the Var region are particularly prized for the fineness of their formation and their French provenance. This mineral combines aesthetic interest with educational value, as it allows the observer to see two different crystal systems in a single sample.