Fluorite (the mineral form of calcium fluorite) has been mined in Weardale, at the tip of the North Pennines, on and off for nearly 50 years, but mainly for mineral specimens. Only in the last 5 or 6 years have veins been discovered that produce really stunning, bright green, gem quality fluorite that I am thrilled to be using in my jewellery.
Diana Maria, mine owner
“To know the origin of the materials I use, to have spent time in the mine and seen the gemstones being extracted by hand and carefully selected for cutting, means so much to me as a designer and producer.”
Fluorites are day light fluorescent, meaning the colour can sometimes change form green to purple if exposed to too much natural light. It’s a reasonably soft and delicate stone so better suited to necklaces and earrings, rather than rings. It needs to be taken care of in the same way that emeralds do - so no creams, perfumes, jewellery cleaner or rapid change in temperature!
The mine entrance in Weardale
