Fluorite and barite fontsante ref547

This specimen features a violet fluorite with a matte texture, accompanied by white barite aggregates visible along the right side. It comes from the Fontsante mine in the Var region of France, a now-closed locality well known for its characteristic mineral associations from the Var crystalline basement.

Dated to the 1990s, this piece displays the typical violet shades of the site — subtle variations of purple occasionally crossed by lighter zones caused by slight changes in fluorine concentration.

This variety of fluorite is relatively soft (hardness: 4 on the Mohs scale) and should be handled with care: avoid impacts and hot water cleaning. A soft brush and gentle cold air are sufficient to preserve the crystal surface.

🟣 Mineralogical Information

- Name: Fluorite with barite

- Type: Halide

- Formula: CaF₂ (fluorite) – BaSO₄ (barite)

- Crystal system: Cubic (fluorite) – Orthorhombic (barite)

- Luster: Vitreous to matte

- Colors: Violet to lavender (fluorite), creamy white (barite)

- Hardness (Mohs): 4 (fluorite) – 3 to 3.5 (barite)

- Density: 3.1 (fluorite) – 4.5 (barite)

- Common associations: Quartz, calcite, galena, pyrite

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