Alien Eye Fluorite

• Alien Eye Fluorite is a rare and unique variety of fluorite, known for its vivid green color and distinctive black outer zones.
• It was discovered in the Erongo Region of Namibia in 2007, with less than 30 fine specimens recovered.
• The formation of Alien Eye Fluorite is a result of a complex geological process that took place millions of years ago.
• The Erongo Mountain, where the fluorite was found, was once a volcano that provided the perfect conditions for fluorite crystallization.
• The unique color and shape of Alien Eye Fluorite are a result of the presence of trace elements during its formation.

The Birth of a Star: Alien Eye Fluorite

Let’s dive right in and explore the fascinating world of Alien Eye Fluorite. This isn’t your everyday mineral. It’s a rare gem, a spectacle of nature that’s as captivating as it is unique. With its vivid green color and black outer zones creating a diamond shape at each crystal’s center, it’s no wonder it’s been dubbed the “Alien Eye.”

The story of Alien Eye Fluorite begins in the Erongo Region of Namibia, where it was discovered in 2007. But don’t let that date fool you. The journey of this mineral started millions of years ago, deep within the Earth’s crust.

A Geological Marvel: The Erongo Mountain

Erongo Mountain, the birthplace of Alien Eye Fluorite, was once a volcano that was active between 140-150 million years ago. It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? That this peaceful mountain was once a fiery, bubbling cauldron of molten rock. But that’s exactly what makes it so special.

When the volcano caved in on its magma chamber, it filled its basin with slow-cooling lava. This lava, along with element-rich water that contained fluorine, created the perfect conditions for fluorite to crystallize. Over time, the lava cooled completely, creating a hard, granitic intrusion with small pockets of crystallized minerals. And within these pockets, the magic happened.

The Magic of Crystallization

Crystallization is a process where atoms, molecules, or ions bond together to form an organized structure. It’s like a dance, where each participant knows exactly where to go and what to do. In the case of Alien Eye Fluorite, the dancers are the elements calcium and fluorine, along with any other trace elements present during formation.

These elements follow the cubic crystal forms, creating structures that are cubic at their core but look more complex than a simple cube. It’s a bit like building with Lego blocks. You start with simple, square pieces, but with the right conditions and elements, you can create something truly extraordinary.

The Color of Alien Eye Fluorite

Now, you might be wondering, what gives Alien Eye Fluorite its unique color? Well, that’s where the trace elements come into play. These additional elements, present during the formation process, can change not only the shape of the fluorite but also its color.

Sometimes, these color changes are dramatic, resulting in strikingly different zones of color within the same crystal. It’s like a painter’s palette, with each color representing a different trace element. Once an element is depleted, a visual shift in color occurs, creating a beautiful, multi-colored masterpiece.

The Eyes of Africa

Among the specimens recovered from the Erongo Region, “The Eyes of Africa” stands out as the most impressive. It’s a testament to the beauty and uniqueness of Alien Eye Fluorite. This specimen, brilliantly saturated with color and impressively large, was so captivating that it was reserved by the lead miner from the project, Herold Gariseb. It’s now a permanent fixture of the Perot Museum of Nature in Science, sharing the wonder of Alien Eye Fluorite with the world.

A Rare Gem

The total number of Alien Eye Fluorites recovered from the find is low, amounting to less than 30 fine specimens. This rarity, coupled with its unique properties, makes Alien Eye Fluorite a highly sought-after mineral among collectors and enthusiasts.

Unmasking the Truth: Real vs. Fake Alien Eye Fluorite

In the world of gemstones and minerals, authenticity is paramount. With the rare and captivating Alien Eye Fluorite, it’s no different. But how can you tell if you’ve got the real deal or a clever imitation? Let’s dive into some key pointers to help you distinguish between genuine and fake Alien Eye Fluorite.

The Color Test

One of the most distinctive features of Alien Eye Fluorite is its vivid green color, contrasted by black outer zones. This color combination is unique to this mineral and is difficult to replicate. If the color seems off or lacks the depth and richness seen in genuine specimens, you might be dealing with a fake.

The Structure Examination

Alien Eye Fluorite is known for its complex crystal habit in the form of cuboctahedra. This structure is a result of the specific conditions under which the mineral forms. If the structure of your specimen doesn’t match this description, it’s likely not genuine.

The Light Test

When exposed to light, Alien Eye Fluorite exhibits an otherworldly glow. This is a characteristic feature of the mineral and is a good indicator of its authenticity. If your specimen doesn’t glow under light, it’s probably not real.

Consult a Professional

When in doubt, consult a professional. Gemologists and mineralogists have the knowledge and tools to accurately identify minerals. They can help confirm whether your Alien Eye Fluorite is genuine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alien Eye Fluorite