Heating Fluorite

Jewelry Discussion
1

I have this question from a student and no idea of an answer.
Hopefuly, someone will.
marilyn

I want to harden my Argentium silver, but I already set my
stones (Fluorite) (too anxious to finish) Do you think 580
degrees would damage the natural fluorite? What do you think. I
don’t have a feel for what temperature different types of
stones are affected.

I guess at worst I could replace my stones if there was a big
problem.

2

That temperature will probably pretty much destroy fluorite, or at
least open some cleavage planes so it will fall aprt. Fluorite is
one of the more heat sensitive materials, but if you proceed slowly,
both heating and cooling, you may get away with it.

Good luck!
Wayne Emery
The Gemcutter