Chlorophane ✨ Meaning ✦ Properties ✦ Benefits ✦ Uses

  • Chlorophane is a rare variety of the mineral fluorite, known for its unique luminescent properties.
  • The formation of Chlorophane is a geological marvel, involving a complex interplay of elements and conditions.
  • The history of Chlorophane is rich and intriguing, with its luminescent properties sparking curiosity and fascination.

Dive into the world of Chlorophane, a mineral that’s as mysterious as it is mesmerizing. With its unique luminescent properties, Chlorophane has been the subject of fascination and study for centuries. But how does this extraordinary mineral come to be? What are its geological properties? And what’s the story behind its discovery and exploration? Let’s embark on this journey of discovery together.

The Formation of Chlorophane

Chlorophane’s journey begins deep within the Earth’s crust, where the right conditions and elements come together to create this rare mineral. It’s a variety of fluorite, a common mineral composed of calcium fluoride. But what sets Chlorophane apart are the impurities it contains – magnesium, aluminum, manganese, and traces of iron and sodium. These impurities, while seemingly insignificant, are believed to play a crucial role in Chlorophane’s luminescent properties.

The formation of Chlorophane is a geological marvel. It’s a process that takes millions of years, involving high pressures, intense heat, and a cocktail of elements. The exact conditions required for its formation are still a subject of research, but it’s clear that nature’s recipe for Chlorophane is a complex one.

Geological Properties of Chlorophane

Now, let’s delve into the geological properties that make Chlorophane so special. At first glance, it might look like any other mineral. It’s typically white, reddish-pink, or red in color, with well-formed coarse-sized crystals. But expose it to ultraviolet light, heat it up, or even rub it, and you’re in for a surprise. Chlorophane emits light in the visible spectrum when subjected to these conditions, a phenomenon known as luminescence.


But the magic doesn’t stop there. Once heated, Chlorophane continues to emit light for a period of time even after the heat source is withdrawn. This property, known as thermoluminescence, sets Chlorophane apart from other minerals. It’s even been reported that the small amount of heat generated by holding Chlorophane in the hand is enough to induce luminescence.

The History of Chlorophane

The history of Chlorophane is as intriguing as its properties. Known also as pyroemerald, cobra stone, and pyrosmaragd, Chlorophane has sparked curiosity and fascination for centuries. Its luminescent properties have made it a subject of study for mineralogists and gemologists alike.

The unusual properties of Chlorophane have been attributed to rare earth elements like samarium, terbium, dysprosium, gadolinium, ytterbium, and yttrium. However, these elements haven’t been consistently found in all Chlorophane specimens, adding another layer of mystery to this captivating mineral.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chlorophane

What is Chlorophane?

Chlorophane is a rare variety of the mineral fluorite, known for its unique luminescent properties.


What are the luminescent properties of Chlorophane?

Chlorophane exhibits thermoluminescence, thermophosphorescence, triboluminescence, and fluorescence. It emits light in the visible spectrum when exposed to ultraviolet light, when heated, and when rubbed.

What color is Chlorophane?

Chlorophane is typically white, reddish-pink, or red in color.

What impurities does Chlorophane contain?

Chlorophane contains impurities such as magnesium, aluminum, manganese, and traces of iron and sodium.

Is Chlorophane soluble?

Chlorophane is slightly soluble in water and in hot hydrochloric acid.

What are the other names for Chlorophane?

Chlorophane is also known as pyroemerald, cobra stone, and pyrosmaragd.

What is the origin of the name Chlorophane?

The name Chlorophane is derived from the Greek words for “green” and “to show”, referring to its green luminescence.


How is Chlorophane formed?

Chlorophane is formed deep within the Earth’s crust under high pressures and intense heat, with a complex interplay of elements and conditions.

What are the rare earth elements found in Chlorophane?

Chlorophane has been associated with samarium, terbium, dysprosium, gadolinium, ytterbium, and yttrium.

Does Chlorophane glow indefinitely when heated?

No, while Chlorophane continues to emit light for a period after the heat source is withdrawn, it does not glow indefinitely.

Can Chlorophane luminesce from the heat of being held in the hand?

There have been reports of Chlorophane luminescing from the small amount of heat generated by being held in the hand, but this may be due to experimental error.

Does all Chlorophane luminesce?

Not all Chlorophane specimens luminesce. Some samples, particularly those exposed to high temperatures, will only luminesce once or will do so with only weakened intensity over time.


Chlorophane Physical Properties
Crystal StructureIsometric, Hexoctahedral
Mineral ClassHalide Mineral
Specific Gravity3.175–3.184
FormulaCaF2
Hardness4 (Mohs scale)
TransparencyTransparent to translucent
Chemical CompositionCalcium Fluoride with impurities of magnesium, aluminum, manganese, and traces of iron and sodium
LocationsFound in various locations worldwide, including the United States, Canada, and Russia
RarityRare
Can Be Submerged in WaterYes, but prolonged exposure may affect its luminescence
Sun Safe CrystalYes, but direct sunlight may affect its color over time
Special Care InstructionsAvoid exposure to high heat as it may affect its luminescence
PricePrices can vary greatly depending on size and quality, ranging from $50 to $500+ per specimen


Aurora Gems ✦ The Crystal Authority
Logo