Green and Purple Fluorite Crystal from Okorusu, Namibia

This eye-catching Green and Purple Fluorite Crystal is a particularly distinctive example of the colour variation found in fluorite from Namibia's renowned Okorusu Mine. The main crystal presents a striking combination of deep purple and vivid green, with the colours appearing in distinct zones across its broad crystal faces.

Specimen Details

✓ Mineral: Fluorite
✓ Chemical Formula: CaF₂
✓ Locality: Okorusu Mine, Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia
✓ Geological Setting: Carbonatite-related fluorite deposit
✓ Geological Age: Early Cretaceous
✓ Colour: Green and purple with strong colour zoning
✓ Transparency: Translucent to semi-transparent
✓ Crystal Habit: Cubic
✓ Crystal System: Cubic
✓ Lustre: Vitreous
✓ Weight: 44 g
✓ Size: 27 × 22 × 28 mm
✓ Specimen Presentation: Natural crystal specimen

Green Meets Purple

One of the most captivating features of this specimen is the contrast between its green and purple fluorite. The main crystal has a predominantly dark purple zone on one side, while the opposite areas transition into rich green and turquoise-green tones.

The colour boundaries are especially interesting because they are not simply surface coatings. The different colours can be seen within the body of the translucent crystal, giving it a layered appearance and allowing light to interact differently with each zone.

A smaller purple fluorite crystal projects from the top of the main crystal, adding another dimension to the specimen and reinforcing the dramatic purple-and-green colour combination.

The Okorusu Connection

Okorusu Mine is famous for producing fluorite in shades ranging from deep sea-green and blue-green through to purple, with some crystals displaying attractive zoning and phantom-like internal features.

The locality formed within a complex Early Cretaceous alkaline and carbonatite-related geological environment. Mineral-rich fluids moving through this system created the conditions for fluorite to crystallise in cavities and replace earlier minerals.

This specimen provides a compact example of why Okorusu fluorite is so recognisable to mineral collectors: strong cubic crystal form combined with remarkable colour variation.

A Collector's Crystal

Unlike a cluster dominated by numerous small crystals, this specimen is centred around a bold individual crystal with broad faces that clearly reveal its internal colour patterns. The combination of green, purple and translucent areas gives it a different appearance depending on the viewing angle and lighting.

Fluorite has a Mohs hardness of approximately 4 and perfect octahedral cleavage, so it should be handled carefully and protected from knocks or abrasion.

Add a fascinating piece of Okorusu's fluorite heritage to your collection with this compact crystal, where vivid green and purple zoning create a naturally dramatic display.