GEM KNOWLEDGE · LABORATORY NOTES
Snowflake Fluorite
Are the white “snowflakes” in this blue fluorite scolecite?
Test result: The elongated white crystals examined in this tower are quartz, not identified as scolecite. A carbonate mineral occurs on some terminations, likely calcite, though the exact carbonate was not established.
The approximately 65 mm fluorite tower has relatively few measured trace elements. The lab notes that the quartz may have replaced an earlier mineral, but it did not identify such a precursor. The visible white pattern alone cannot confirm scolecite, and this report supports quartz for the analyzed inclusions in this specimen.
That distinction matters because “Snowflake Fluorite” is a visual market name, not proof of a particular white inclusion. This result applies to the tested tower; another specimen would need its own examination.
View the original report
Select a page to enlarge it. A text transcript appears below.
Understanding the report figures
Use this guide alongside the written findings and the original report transcript. It explains the purpose of each analytical figure and preserves the laboratory’s own figure labels. The interpretations apply to the tested specimen; signals alone do not establish the identity of every similar-looking stone.
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Elemental spectrum: The peaks record characteristic X-ray signals from elements in the analyzed spot or area. This is an analysis of that location, not automatically of the entire specimen. Any mineral identification or uncertainty named in the laboratory caption is retained below.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 2: Energy dispersive spectral analysis of the fluorite in Fig. 1.
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Elemental spectrum: The peaks record characteristic X-ray signals from elements in the analyzed spot or area. This is an analysis of that location, not automatically of the entire specimen. Any mineral identification or uncertainty named in the laboratory caption is retained below.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectral analysis white inclusions in Fig. 1.
Read the report as text
Analytical Result Report Sample id: 9197 (fluorite tower) Submitted by: K.Bitner Date submitted: Sept. 9, 2020 Date completed: Sept. 17, 2020 Operating conditions: JEOL JSM-6400 operated at 25 kV acceleration potential, 15 mm working distance, 15 degrees sample tilt, coated with 250 Å carbon. Using the X-ray fluorescence attachment with 35kv potental in conjunction with the EDS system. Fig. 1: Photograph of the fluorite tower. Maximum dimension is 65 mm. Close-up of the white material at the base is on the right. Fig. 2: Photomicrograph of the inclusions, a rhombohedral carbonate mineral on quartz. 1mm field of view. Fig. 2: Energy dispersive spectral analysis of the fluorite in Fig. 1. Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectral analysis white inclusions in Fig. 1. Table 1: compositional results for trace elements in the fluorite element Blue area Iron 342 ppm Manganese 78 ppm Yttrium 88 ppm Summary of findings: A very interesting piece! (Fig. 1). The fluorite is relatively clean, only minor trace elements are present (Fig. 2, Table 1). Rare earth elements are present at close to the detection limit but cannot be accurately quantified. Cerium is most noticeable. Yttrium is the most abundant element of the rare earth group affiliates. The white inclusions are interesting, the elongated crystals are quartz, but they may have replaced an earlier mineral. In some cases, carbonate crystals are perched on the terminations (Fig. 2). It is likely calcite but could be another carbonate. None of them were exposed at the surface. Date: September 17 ,2020 Signature