Diana Maria Fluorite vs. Other Popular Fluorite Localities: A Comparison

Fluorite is prized among mineral collectors for its vivid colors, perfect cubic formations, and occasional fluorescence under UV light. One particular source that has gained attention in recent years is Diana Maria Mine in the Weardale region of England. Known for producing some of the finest fluorite specimens, it stands alongside other famous fluorite localities like the Yaogangxian Mine (China), Rogerley Mine (England), and Okorusu Mine (Namibia).

Here’s a comparison of Diana Maria fluorite to other well-known fluorite-producing localities:

1. Diana Maria Mine, Weardale, England

Key Characteristics:

• Color: Diana Maria fluorite is primarily known for its stunning deep blue and vivid purple crystals. Some specimens can display color zoning with a mix of blues and greens. Occasionally, there are pieces with yellow or colorless areas, but the deep blue hues are the mine's hallmark.
• Crystal Form: Fluorite from the Diana Maria Mine is often found in sharp cubic crystals, sometimes associated with other minerals like quartz or barite. The crystals can form intricate and well-defined cubic structures, often clear and lustrous.
• Fluorescence: One of the standout features of Diana Maria fluorite is its strong fluorescence under UV light. When exposed to UV, these specimens typically exhibit a bright blue-violet glow due to the presence of rare earth elements like europium and yttrium.
• Rarity and Value: As one of the newer mines producing high-quality fluorite, Diana Maria fluorite has quickly become sought after, especially due to the limited production of top-tier specimens. Its deep blue colors are relatively rare in the world of fluorite, giving it a special place in collections.

Comparison to Other Localities:

• Color: The intense blues and purples of Diana Maria fluorite make it unique, as this color combination is less common in other fluorite localities.
• Fluorescence: Its strong fluorescence rivals that of Rogerley Mine fluorite, which also comes from Weardale. Both mines produce specimens with intense UV-reactive properties, making them similar in this regard.

2. Yaogangxian Mine, Hunan, China

Key Characteristics:

• Color: Fluorite from Yaogangxian is famous for its multi-colored zoning and a broad spectrum of hues, including rich purples, greens, blues, and even yellows. Many crystals show distinct banding or zoning, with multiple colors in a single specimen.
• Crystal Form: Yaogangxian fluorite often forms in sharp cubic crystals, similar to Diana Maria, but can also exhibit octahedral forms or complex growth habits. Many specimens are associated with minerals like quartz, pyrite, and calcite.
• Fluorescence: Yaogangxian fluorite is generally less fluorescent than that of Diana Maria or Rogerley, with some specimens showing only faint UV reactions.
• Rarity and Value: Yaogangxian fluorite is relatively abundant compared to Diana Maria fluorite, though top-quality specimens with sharp crystals and distinct zoning are highly valued. Its variety of colors and mineral associations make it a favorite among collectors.

Comparison to Diana Maria:

• Color: While Yaogangxian fluorite offers a greater range of colors and color zoning, it generally lacks the deep blues and violet hues that are characteristic of Diana Maria.
• Fluorescence: Diana Maria fluorite typically has stronger fluorescence, making it more desirable for collectors who prioritize UV-reactive minerals.
• Crystal Quality: Both localities produce sharp, well-formed cubic crystals, but Yaogangxian often features more mineral associations, adding complexity to its specimens.

3. Rogerley Mine, Weardale, England

Key Characteristics:

• Color: The Rogerley Mine is famous for its deep green fluorite with occasional purple zoning. The green hues are distinctive and often shift to deep blue under certain lighting conditions due to pleochroism.
• Crystal Form: Rogerley fluorite is known for its classic cubic formations, sometimes with stepped or stacked growth patterns. The crystals are often found alongside minerals like galena, quartz, and calcite.
• Fluorescence: Like the Diana Maria fluorite, Rogerley specimens are highly fluorescent, glowing a vibrant blue under UV light. This is one of the defining characteristics of Rogerley fluorite.
• Rarity and Value: Rogerley fluorite is well-known and widely collected. The vivid green color and strong fluorescence make it highly desirable, though its availability in the market has fluctuated over time.

Comparison to Diana Maria:

• Color: While Diana Maria fluorite is prized for its blues and purples, Rogerley fluorite stands out for its green hues and color shift effects. Collectors seeking more green tones often turn to Rogerley.
• Fluorescence: Both localities produce fluorite with intense fluorescence, making them equally attractive for collectors who value this feature.
• Rarity: Both mines are located in the same region (Weardale) and have similar availability, though Diana Maria’s production is newer and potentially less abundant in the long run.

4. Okorusu Mine, Namibia

Key Characteristics:

• Color: Okorusu fluorite is renowned for its incredible variety of colors, including rich purples, blues, greens, and yellows. One of the unique features of Okorusu fluorite is the color zoning, with vibrant multi-colored crystals that shift between different shades.
• Crystal Form: The fluorite from Okorusu often forms in cubic or octahedral crystals with clear zoning visible within each cube. These crystals can be large and transparent, with excellent clarity.
• Fluorescence: Okorusu fluorite can fluoresce under UV light, but the reaction is often not as strong as specimens from Diana Maria or Rogerley.
• Rarity and Value: Okorusu fluorite is relatively abundant, but top-quality specimens with rich color zoning and large, sharp crystals can command higher prices.

Comparison to Diana Maria:

• Color: While Okorusu fluorite has a wide range of colors and color zoning, its hues are often more pastel and less intense than the deep blues and purples seen in Diana Maria specimens.
• Fluorescence: Diana Maria fluorite has stronger UV fluorescence, making it more appealing to collectors who value this feature.
• Rarity: Although both localities produce high-quality fluorite, Diana Maria fluorite is considered rarer, especially when it comes to its deep blue specimens.

Conclusion: How Does Diana Maria Fluorite Compare?

Diana Maria fluorite stands out primarily due to its deep blue and violet hues, strong fluorescence, and sharp cubic formations. While other localities like Yaogangxian and Okorusu offer a broader range of colors and complex crystal associations, they lack the intense blues and purples that define Diana Maria specimens.

In terms of fluorescence, Diana Maria fluorite is comparable to Rogerley Mine fluorite, both of which exhibit vibrant blue reactions under UV light. However, Diana Maria fluorite is often considered rarer and has gained significant attention from collectors in a short period due to its unique aesthetic qualities.

For collectors, Diana Maria fluorite is definitely worth collecting, especially for those interested in high-quality, vividly colored, and fluorescent specimens that are relatively rare compared to other localities.