Fluorite Gemstone Beads

Frequently asked questions

• Is fluorite dyed?

  No — fluorite is rarely dyed in the bead trade because the color register is intrinsic to the mineral. The purples, greens, blues, and clears come from trace-element chemistry during crystal growth, and the banded "rainbow" presentation is natural color zoning, not a treatment. Every fluorite strand in Dakota's catalog is sold natural. Treatment, where ever present in the broader market, should appear on the product page — ask before buying if a strand doesn't specify.
• How durable is fluorite for jewelry?

  Fluorite is Mohs 4 — softer than quartz (7), agate and jasper (6.5–7), and most other beaded stones. It also has perfect octahedral cleavage, meaning it can chip along internal crystal planes if struck. Fluorite works well in earrings, necklaces, and bracelets that aren't subject to impact; it's a marginal choice for rings, where wear and impact exposure are highest. On mixed-material strands, use spacers between fluorite and harder beads to prevent scratching. Standard care: soft cloth, mild soap, lukewarm water — no ultrasonic, no steam.
• What is rainbow fluorite? Is it natural?

  Rainbow fluorite is fluorite that grew with shifting trace-element chemistry, producing visible bands of purple, green, clear, and sometimes blue in the same crystal. When cut into beads, each bead shows a cross-section of the zoning. The color and banding are both natural growth features — no dye, no fusing, no treatment. "Rainbow fluorite" is a descriptive name for multi-color natural material, not a separate variety.
• Will fluorite fade in sunlight?

  Some fluorite — particularly purple and blue registers — can fade with prolonged direct UV exposure. The color is partly produced by radiation effects on the crystal lattice during growth, and intense sustained light can reverse some of that. For finished jewelry, store out of direct sunlight when not worn; window displays, dashboards, and beach wear are the contexts where fade risk is highest. Occasional sun exposure during normal wear is not a concern.
• What sizes and colors does Dakota carry?

  Active inventory centers on solid purple (the largest register), with solid green, multi-color rainbow, blue, and clear also stocked. Dominant sizes are 6mm and 8mm rounds, with 4mm, 10mm, and 11mm also available. Round is the dominant cut. Full size, cut, and color availability is filterable in the grid above; designers replenishing an existing design can confirm exact specifications on each product page.