What is Fluorite?

Located in the mountains outside of Austin, Nevada, at 7,000 feet elevation, is a unique deposit of rare opalized fluorite found almost nowhere else on Earth.

The fluorite at The Pleiades Mine is a rare and highly sought-after variety, most commonly described as opalized fluorite (also called rainbow fluorite, Pleiadean stone, or Pleiades stone by the mine owners). This sets it apart from standard fluorite due to its unique silicification/opalization process, where silica infiltrates and replaces/alters parts of the fluorite, giving it exceptional translucency, polishability, and iridescent optical effects.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Opalization/Silicification: The material is often referred to as "opalized fluorite" or "silicified fluorite." This gives pieces a gem-like quality—highly polishable, with a glassy or waxy luster when cut or tumbled. Raw pieces may look rough/grungy/dirty at first (covered in matrix or dirt), but they transform dramatically when cleaned, cut, or polished into stunning specimens, slabs, pendants, or jewelry.

Colors and Visual Effects: Vibrant, multi-colored, and iridescent. Common hues include:

• Deep purples (often in banded or zoned layers)
  
• Blues
  
• Greens
  
• Yellows
  
• Rainbow flashes/iridescence (shifting colors that appear "otherworldly" or opal-like, with play-of-color under light)
  
• Many pieces show layered banding, zoning, or botryoidal (grape-like rounded) formations.
  
  

Translucency and Clarity: Frequently translucent to semi-transparent, allowing light to pass through and highlight the colors/flashes. Gem-quality pieces are prized for their clarity and intensity.

Fluorescence: Highly fluorescent (a classic fluorite trait), glowing brilliantly under UV light—often mentioned in rockhounding videos as a highlight of the finds.

Forms and Textures: Found as crystals, chunks, vein material, botryoidal masses, or in quartz matrix. Specimens range from small collector pieces to larger slabs suitable for lapidary work (cutting/polishing into cabochons, beads, or display items).

Rarity and Appeal: Described as "world-class," "unlike anything else," and found in only a handful of places worldwide. It's volcanic-hosted in a historic mineralization district, and every piece is said to have potential for jewelry or display due to its beauty and workability.

Guests will have the opportunity to dig through fresh, fluorite-rich material brought straight from the vein and collect their own stunning specimens to take home. Expect spectacular shades of purple, cream, green, and rainbow combinations—every piece is a surprise and "every find has a story".

What beautiful treasures will you uncover?

BOOK YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE TODAY & DISCOVER WHY MANY CONSIDER THIS A DREAM COME TRUE.

PERSONAL Pay to Dig - One 5-gallon bucket per customer

PREMIER DIG - (3) 5-gallon buckets per customer

MAKE SURE TO VISIT DIG-DAY INFORMATION FOR DETAILS

 

The mine is open May - October (weather permitting).