FLUORITE & QUARTZ – Purple Crystals on Matrix, Cambokeels Mine, England, UK

This is a large and visually commanding specimen of natural purple fluorite from the Cambokeels Mine, one of the classic fluorspar localities of Weardale in County Durham, England. The specimen displays well-defined, sizeable cubic crystals in a rich violet-purple hue, a color for which this corner of the North Pennines orefield is particularly celebrated among collectors.

Accompanying the fluorite are crystallizations of colorless quartz, forming a sparkling druse-like overgrowth across portions of the matrix. The interplay between the deep purple fluorite cubes and the glassy, translucent quartz creates a pleasing visual contrast that gives the piece real depth and character. The crystal groupings are arranged in a naturally scenic, harmonious composition across the specimen's broad face, typical of the finest Cambokeels material.

The Cambokeels Mine was one of the most productive sources of fluorite in Weardale during the 1970s and 1980s, becoming the deepest mine in the district before it closed in 1989, with its lower workings now flooded. Specimens of this quality and size from this now-inactive locality are becoming progressively harder to find on the market, adding to the collectible value of this piece.

Completely natural and untreated, this fluorite and quartz association is well suited both for a serious systematic mineral collection and as a striking display piece.

Fluorite is the mineral form of calcium fluoride (CaF₂) and belongs to the halide mineral class. It crystallizes in the isometric (cubic) system, most commonly forming cubic crystals, sometimes modified or twinned as interpenetration twins, a habit for which the fluorite of the Weardale orefield, including Cambokeels, is particularly noted. In this specimen, the fluorite occurs as large, well-formed purple crystals accompanied by a contrasting overgrowth of colorless quartz (SiO₂) microcrystals, a classic pairing at this locality.

The vivid purple-violet color of the fluorite is caused by radiation-induced color centers within the crystal lattice, where natural background radiation over geological time displaces fluoride ions and creates electron-hole defects (F-centers) that absorb visible light; trace substitution of rare-earth elements such as yttrium and cerium for calcium can further contribute to and intensify the purple coloration. Purple fluorite of this type is also commonly UV-reactive, typically fluorescing blue-violet under ultraviolet light due to activator ions such as europium; while this has not been specifically tested on this individual piece, we recommend verifying its fluorescence under a UV lamp.

Fluorite formed here through hydrothermal mineralizing fluids rich in calcium and fluorine moving through fractures in the Carboniferous limestones of the Alston Block, precipitating fluorite and associated minerals such as quartz, calcite, and galena along veins like the Slitt Vein worked at Cambokeels. The mine was one of the most productive fluorspar sources in Weardale through the 1970s and 1980s before closing in 1989, with its lower levels now flooded, making fresh specimens from this locality increasingly scarce.

• Formula: CaF₂ (fluorite), with associated SiO₂ (quartz)
• Key chemical elements: Calcium, Fluorine, Silicon, Oxygen
• Hardness (Mohs scale): 4 (fluorite); 7 (quartz)
• Mineral class: Halides (fluorite); Silicates (quartz)
• Crystal system: Isometric (cubic) — fluorite; Trigonal — quartz
• Crystal habit: Cubic, twinned crystals with druse-like quartz overgrowth
• Formation: Hydrothermal vein deposit in Carboniferous limestone, North Pennines orefield
• Color: Deep violet-purple, caused by radiation-induced color centers and trace rare-earth substitution
• Fluorescence: Commonly UV-reactive (blue-violet); recommend verifying under UV lamp for this specimen
• Locality status: Cambokeels Mine closed in 1989; lower workings now flooded

The Cambokeels Mine, sometimes historically known as Cammock Eals, lies on the Slitt Vein roughly midway between the villages of Eastgate and Westgate in Weardale, one of the classic mining districts of the North Pennines. Originally opened for lead in the 19th century, it was later reopened for fluorspar and became, during the 1970s and 1980s, the deepest mine in the region, with working levels reaching down to 340 meters. The mine finally closed in 1989, and its lower workings have since flooded, meaning no new specimens are being recovered today. Cambokeels is particularly well known among collectors for its combination of purple, colorless, and pale-toned twinned fluorite crystals frequently associated with sparkling quartz overgrowth, a pairing that has become something of a signature for this historic Weardale locality.

In crystal healing traditions, purple fluorite is regarded as a stone of mental clarity, focus, and discernment, believed to help clear confusion and support concentration and decision-making. It is also associated with calming and protective energies, said to absorb negative energy and promote a sense of order and balance. Quartz, present alongside the fluorite in this specimen, is traditionally considered an amplifying stone, thought to enhance clarity of thought and energetic balance. Please note that these interpretations are not scientifically proven.

Photos: All photographs are taken under professional lighting conditions to accurately highlight crystal structure, color and detail. However, slight variations in tone and appearance may occur depending on screen calibration and ambient lighting conditions.

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