Fluorite Cubes, Walworth Quarry, Walworth, New York

Contributed by: Chris Clemens
minID: 431-7DP
Date: Apr 22nd, 2026
Locality: Walworth Quarry, Walworth, Wayne County, New York, USA (See on Mindat)
Size: 44 x 34 x 49 mm
Weight: 38 g

Description:
The Walworth Quarry has been a productive source of highly desirable fluorite specimens for many years. The Walworth fluorites are notable for their sharp, well-formed cubic crystals of astounding clarity, and are often aesthetically perched on a sparkling dolomite matrix, making them fine display specimens. Located approximately 18 miles east of Rochester, New York, in the town of Walworth, the quarry excavates into the sedimentary strata of the Lockport Group (423-427 mya) which primarily consists of dolostone. The rarity and perfection of these fluorite specimens make them highly desirable among mineral collectors. Not generally known, however, is that the Walworth fluorites can also be fluorescent.

This specimen consists of gemmy, water clear fluorite cubes and small calcite crystals on a limestone matrix. Under shortwave UV (254nm), the fluorite and calcite both show a similar white, fluorescent response. The limestone matrix is also fluorescent and provides an aesthetic tan background to the more brightly fluorescent fluorite and calcite crystals. This specimen is also fluorescent under longwave UV and is phosphorescent following exposure to both wavelengths.

Originally posted by Chris Clemens on Nature's Rainbows in 2018.