Rocks, Minerals & Ores
Mineral Sequence in the Cady Mountains
Fluorite
CaF2 (octahedral)Cady Mountains, Mojave Desert, CA
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Mineral Sequence in the Cady Mountains
In the Cady Mountains of California’s Mojave Desert, fluorite forms in crisp, octahedral crystals that catch the light and the imagination. These calcium fluoride specimens are created when hot, mineral-rich fluids move through fractures in volcanic rock, slowly cooling and crystallizing over time. What results are well-formed crystals in shades of purple, green, yellow, or clear—each shaped by the trace elements present during growth. Fluorite from this region often displays beautiful symmetry, smooth faces, and occasional twinning, making it a favorite among mineral collectors and geologists alike. Its formation offers insight into the area’s hydrothermal history and the geologic sequence that characterizes the Mojave. Whether found tucked into a rock cavity or displayed in a case, these fluorite crystals are a colorful reminder of the quiet but powerful forces that have shaped the desert’s mineral riches.