Authentic Steinkopf Fluorite on Quartz – Northern Cape, SA

This exceptional Steinkopf Fluorite on Quartz showcases a striking palette of honey-gold, amber, orange-brown and deep smoky-brown tones across a densely crystallised surface. Numerous intergrown fluorite crystals create remarkable variations in colour, transparency and texture, while the lighter golden crystals around the edges contrast beautifully with the darker amber-brown central crystals. The result is a three-dimensional specimen with considerable depth and visual character.

Specimen Details

• Mineral: Fluorite on Quartz
• Chemical Formula: CaF₂
• Locality: Steinkopf area, Northern Cape, South Africa
• Geological Setting: Orange River Pegmatite Belt
• Geological Age: Mesoproterozoic, approximately 1 billion years
• Colour: Honey-gold, golden-yellow, amber, orange-brown and deep brown
• Crystal Habit: Intergrown crystalline aggregate with prominent cleavage surfaces
• Associated Mineral: Quartz
• Weight: 164 g
• Size: 81 × 45 × 37 mm (Length × Width × Height)
• Preparation: Professionally cleaned and trimmed
• Display: Ready for display

Steinkopf is situated within the remarkable Orange River Pegmatite Belt, a major geological province of South Africa's Namaqualand region. The belt contains thousands of pegmatites formed during the Mesoproterozoic, approximately one billion years ago, and is renowned for its complex mineralogy and rare-element mineralisation.

Fluorite is specifically documented from the Norabees I pegmatite within the Norrabees pegmatite field near Steinkopf, where it occurs alongside quartz and a diverse assemblage of pegmatite minerals. The area's highly evolved pegmatites experienced complex magmatic and hydrothermal processes that contributed to the formation of a remarkable variety of minerals.

This specimen is particularly appealing for the way its fluorite changes in appearance across the surface. The peripheral crystals display luminous golden and honey tones, while the central region develops progressively richer amber and brown hues. Numerous crystal faces and cleavage surfaces catch the light, revealing varying degrees of translucency and giving the densely intergrown aggregate a fascinating natural texture.

At 164 grams, this is a substantial specimen with an attractive display presence. Its professionally cleaned and trimmed form allows the crystallised fluorite to remain the clear focus, while the quartz association adds geological context and visual contrast.

Fluorite has a Mohs hardness of approximately 4 and possesses perfect octahedral cleavage, so the specimen should be handled with care and protected from impacts or abrasion.

Add this distinctive example of Steinkopf fluorite to your collection and enjoy the remarkable combination of golden translucency, deep amber colour and intricate natural crystallisation that makes this specimen such an attractive display piece.